No Biometric Barriers to Housing Act of 2023
If passed, HB5358 would significantly impact the practices of housing authorities and private owners of federally funded housing. The bill defines covered federally assisted rental dwelling units as those receiving federal assistance through various programs, such as public housing and rental assistance programs. The prohibition against biometric technology would mean these entities can no longer implement systems that potentially infringe on tenants' privacy or civil rights, particularly aiming to support vulnerable communities who are already facing housing challenges.
House Bill 5358, titled the ‘No Biometric Barriers to Housing Act of 2023’, aims to prohibit the use of biometric recognition technology, including facial recognition and other physical biometric technologies in federally assisted rental dwelling units. The bill seeks to ensure that tenants in such housing facilities are not subjected to surveillance measures that could lead to bias or discrimination against them, particularly affecting their fair access to affordable housing.
Another important aspect of HB5358 is that it mandates a report from the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Congress within a year of its enactment, evaluating the prior use of biometric technologies in federally assisted housing. This report would assess the implications these technologies have had on residents and inform future legislation or enhancements to tenant protections.
The bill has the potential to spark debate surrounding the balance between security measures and tenant rights. Proponents argue that such technologies can exacerbate existing inequalities, potentially affecting marginalized groups disproportionately. Meanwhile, opposition may arise from those who advocate for enhanced security measures in housing to combat crime. Critics may point out concerns regarding safety versus privacy, questioning how to ensure security in housing without resorting to invasive technologies.