A controversial facial recognition bill continues moving through the Legislature this week. The bill has changes in tow, including additional requirements for law enforcement agencies.
When SB 6280, sponsored by Sen. Joe Nguyen (D–West Seattle), was introduced at the beginning of session, several organizations raised concerns regarding the required implementation process and reporting requirements. Changes proposed by the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee include:
- Clarifying that the facial recognition technology must be independently tested for unfair performance differences across subpopulations as defined by visually detectable characteristics or other protected characteristics including race, skin tone, ethnicity, gender, age, or disability.
- Requiring that the methodology, data, and results of the independent testing be provided to the service provider allowing them to reproduce the results.
- Stipulating that law enforcement agencies using body cameras comply with rules outlined in RCW 42.56.240(14).
- Exempting federally mandated facial recognition services.
- Creating a process for obtaining a search warrant for use of a facial recognition service during an emergency.
SB 6280 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee for a second reading.
AWC has concerns about the onerous reporting requirements in the bill.