Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2026
Bars federal biometric surveillance without detailed congressional authorization and ties Byrne grants to similar state and local restrictions.
In two House committees since Sept. 24, 2026, 14 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Biometric surveillance uses software to identify people from facial, voice, or other physical traits. The bill would bar federal agencies and officials from using these systems or their information unless Congress specifically authorizes the use with detailed safeguards. It would also tie Byrne public safety grant eligibility to similar state and local limits.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Bar federal biometric surveillance
Federal agencies and officials could not acquire, possess, access, or use biometric surveillance systems in the United States, or information from a system operated by another entity. The definition covers facial and voice recognition and certain recognition based on gait or other physical traits; it excludes fingerprint or palm-print identification not obtained from a distance.
- Require detailed congressional authorization
The federal prohibition would not apply when an Act of Congress specifically authorizes the use and sets out who may use it, its purposes and limits, data-handling standards, accuracy and audit requirements, and protections for rights and equal treatment. The bill also preserves NIST testing and research and does not override stricter laws.
- Condition public safety grants
States and local governments would be ineligible for Byrne grant program assistance unless they follow a law or policy substantially similar to the bill’s federal prohibition. The condition would begin on the first day of the first fiscal year starting after enactment.
- Allow lawsuits and penalties
People harmed by a violation could sue the federal government, and state officers could bring cases on behalf of residents. Information obtained in violation generally could not be used by the federal government in proceedings, and a federal official found to have violated the law could face penalties, subject to due process.
The bill would make detailed legal authorization and safeguards a condition for federal biometric surveillance, including rules on accuracy, data handling, auditing, and protections for privacy and civil rights. It would also link Byrne grant eligibility to similar state and local limits, creating practical consequences for governments that do not adopt them.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026HOUSESEP 24, 2026By Rep. Jayapal with 8 original cosponsorsReferred to Oversight and Government Reform and Judiciary
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeesSEP 24, 2026OVERSIGHT & GOVERNMENT REFORM · JUDICIARY NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 14 daysNo hearing yet
- 14 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 14, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 6 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Jayapal’s record: sponsored 51 bills this Congress. 1 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Greg CasarD-TX-35ORIGINAL
- Judy ChuD-CA-28ORIGINAL
- Jim McGovernD-MA-2ORIGINAL
- Eleanor Holmes NortonD-DC-ALORIGINAL
- Ayanna PressleyD-MA-7ORIGINAL
- Delia C. RamirezD-IL-3ORIGINAL
- Jan SchakowskyD-IL-9ORIGINAL
- Rashida TlaibD-MI-12ORIGINAL
Coverage at a glance
Outlets that covered this bill, by their lean.
What readers think
Discussion
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