Skip to main content
S 4400 116th Congress Senate Commerce

National Biometric Information Privacy Act of 2020

Introduced: August 3, 2020 Introduced by: Merkley, Jeff Democratic · Oregon See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 116th Congress ended
It never became law before the 116th Congress (2019–2020) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Aug 3, 2020
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Aug 3, 2020
Introduced in Senate
 Ask about this bill AI · grounded in the bill text

Have a question about what this bill does? Ask in plain English; the answer is drawn from the bill's actual text and official record, and it'll tell you when something isn't in the text rather than guess.

AI answers can be imperfect; always confirm against the full bill text.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

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.

What's happening now August 3, 2020

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). S. 4400: National Biometric Information Privacy Act of 2020. 116th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/116-S-4400/
MLA
"S. 4400: National Biometric Information Privacy Act of 2020." 116th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/116-S-4400/.
Bluebook (legal)
S. 4400, 116th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/116-S-4400/.
Markdown link
[S. 4400: National Biometric Information Privacy Act of 2020](https://openamerica.io/bill/116-S-4400/)
Report a problem