S. 4400: National Biometric Information Privacy Act of 2020

116th Congress · introduced 2020-08-03 · Commerce · Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2020-08-03 · official record
Who proposed it: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

National Biometric Information Privacy Act of 2020

Plain summary

National Biometric Information Privacy Act of 2020 This bill requires a private entity that obtains an individual's biometric identifier or biometric information to take specified actions to maintain and ensure the privacy and security of such biometric data. Specifically, a private entity in possession of biometric data must develop a written policy establishing a retention schedule and guidelines for destroying such data on the earlier of (1) the date on which the initial purpose for collecting the data has been satisfied, or (2) one year after an individual's last intentional interaction with the entity. A private entity may not obtain an individual's biometric data unless (1) the entity requires the data to provide a service or for a valid business purpose, and (2) the entity informs the individual in writing of the collection and its purpose and receives a written release. Further, a private entity in possession of such data may not sell, lease, or otherwise profit from the data. A private entity must store, transmit, and protect from disclosure all biometric data in its possession in a manner that is the same as, or more protective than, the manner in which the entity treats other confidential and sensitive information. Upon request, the entity must disclose to an individual such data relating to the individual collected during the preceding 12 months. Further, the bill establishes a private right of action for any individual aggrieved by a violation of the bill's provisions.

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

National Biometric Information Privacy Act of 2020

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] · 1 cosponsors

Cost estimate: No cost estimate published yet.

Cosponsors on this site

Bernard Sanders (I-VT)

Sponsor's campaign money: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] reported raising $5.4 million (2025–2026). Details. Shown for context only; it does not mean any donor supported this bill.

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (2)

Bill: A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).
Securities: Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Introduced in Senate)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-116s4400.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/116/s>

Record fed-us-cong116-s4400 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong116 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong116