United States of America: Rejected Biometric Data Privacy Act (HB 259)

On 11 April 2022, the Biometric Data Privacy Act (HB 259) was rejected after failing to pass before the Maryland legislature session adjourned. The Bill required businesses collecting biometric data to publish a data retention policy specifying when collected biometric data would have to be deleted. The Bill would further prohibit the selling, leasing, or trading of individual biometric data. Disclosure of biometric data would only be possible with the consent of the individual in question, or in several exceptional circumstances, such as when required by a warrant, or subpoena, to comply with other provisions of law, or in cooperation with law enforcement. Individuals must be informed of the type of biometric data collected, as well as its purpose.