H.R.3060 - No Biometric Barriers to Housing Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3060, the "No Biometric Barriers to Housing Act of 2025," aims to prohibit the use of biometric recognition technology in federally assisted dwelling units. The bill defines biometric technologies broadly, including facial, physical, and remote recognition systems. It targets the use of these technologies for surveillance or any purpose that adversely affects fair access to affordable housing, especially concerning bias and discrimination.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would prevent owners of federally assisted housing from using biometric technologies for surveillance. HUD would be required to report to Congress on the usage and impact of these technologies in covered housing units. This could lead to increased privacy and reduced potential for discriminatory practices in housing.
Potential Benefits
- Protects tenant privacy by limiting the use of biometric surveillance.
- Reduces the potential for bias and discrimination in housing access.
- Ensures fair access to affordable housing.
- Provides oversight through a required report to Congress on the use of biometric technologies in federally assisted housing.
- Promotes civil rights by preventing unwarranted surveillance.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase costs for housing providers who have already invested in biometric technology.
- Could potentially hinder efforts to improve security in housing complexes if biometric technologies are deemed necessary for that purpose.
- May face opposition from landlords or property management companies who see biometric technology as a valuable tool.
- The one-year delay before implementation might allow for increased deployment of the technology before the ban takes effect.
- Enforcement challenges could arise in monitoring and preventing the use of prohibited technologies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with constitutional principles related to privacy and equal protection, although these are not explicitly enumerated in the Constitution. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and while this applies primarily to government action, the spirit of privacy is relevant. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee due process and equal protection under the law, which could be invoked if biometric technologies are used in a discriminatory manner. The bill aims to prevent potential violations of these principles in federally assisted housing.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).