SB 25-143: Extend Prohibition on School Facial Recognition

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

In current law there is a prohibition on schools contracting for facial recognition services that is set to repeal on July 1, 2025. The prohibition contains an exception for a contract executed prior to the date the prohibition became law or a renewal of that contract. The act removes the repeal and creates new exceptions for contracts that are: In effect on the date the act becomes law; For a product, device, or software application that allows for analysis of facial features for educational purposes in conjunction with curricula; or For a product, device, or software application that allows for the analysis of facial features to identify a person who has made an articulable and significant threat against a school or the occupants of a school, to identify a missing student when there is a reasonable belief that the student is still on school grounds, or to identify an individual who has been ordered by the court or school administration to stay off school district property. The act prohibits processing the biometric identifiers obtained from the facial recognition services without consent. A school must provide notice of the use of facial recognition software. Each school district shall develop a policy governing the use of facial recognition technology, including clear guidelines on access and oversight. The policy must designate specific authorized personnel, such as school administrators and law enforcement officials, who are permitted to process facial recognition data in response to an articulable and significant threat against the school. Whenever a school, employee of a school, or contractor of a school engages in a practice that violates the act, the aggrieved party may apply for a temporary restraining order or injunction, or both. The court may enter orders or judgments as necessary to prevent the prohibited practice, to restore any person injured to their original position, or to prevent any unjust enrichment by any person through the use or employment of any violation. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 11 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 18, 2025Governor Signed
2. April 9, 2025Sent to the Governor
3. April 8, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
4. April 8, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
5. April 4, 2025Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. April 3, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. April 2, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Floor
8. March 28, 2025House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
9. March 26, 2025House Committee on Education Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
10. March 17, 2025Introduced In House - Assigned to Education
11. March 14, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. March 13, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

Showing 12 most recent of 16 actions. Full history