The proposed bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing the "Responsible Use of Facial Recognition Act," which establishes guidelines for the use of surveillance technologies and artificial intelligence facial recognition by law enforcement and political officials. It includes legislative findings that emphasize the importance of protecting citizens' constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, as outlined in both the U.S. Constitution and the West Virginia Constitution. The bill highlights the potential risks associated with foreign technology providers and mandates that law enforcement agencies utilize only American-developed facial recognition technologies to safeguard data security and national interests.

Key provisions of the bill include the prohibition of certain surveillance technologies without a warrant, the establishment of a working group to develop a model policy for the responsible use of facial recognition technology, and the requirement for law enforcement agencies to have a use policy in place prior to employing such technology. The bill also sets minimum standards for the procurement and use of facial recognition technology, ensuring that it is produced in the U.S. and complies with rigorous testing for accuracy. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a framework that balances the benefits of advanced surveillance technologies with the need to protect civil liberties and individual rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-17-1, 15-17-2, 15-17-3, 15-17-4, 15-17-5, 15-17-6