IL HB5521

Law enforcement agencies in Illinois would be prohibited from obtaining, retaining, possessing, accessing, or using biometric identification systems, including through agreements with third parties or other government agencies.

Exceptions allow law enforcement to use biometric systems for employment background checks, fingerprinting during arrests or convictions, collecting forensic evidence at crime scenes, and officer authentication on work devices.

Private citizens subjected to violations may sue for $1,000 per negligent violation or $5,000 per intentional/reckless violation, plus actual damages, attorney fees, and deletion of their biometric data.

The Attorney General may initiate or intervene in civil actions against agencies violating the Act.

The Secretary of State may only use facial recognition for verifying identity when issuing mobile driver's licenses or ID cards, and is prohibited from allowing any government agency or third party to access facial recognition search services.