Technology (Emerging Technology)

HB 762 permits Maryland law enforcement to use facial recognition technology on images captured by cameras mounted on the exterior of a dwelling (like a home) to investigate nine specific property crimes, including first- and second-degree burglary, arson, and trespassing. It directly affects law enforcement agencies and homeowners or tenants who have such exterior cameras. The bill modifies existing law to allow this exception only when the image was recorded by the dwelling’s owner or tenant, and restricts its use to the listed property crimes - excluding most other criminal investigations. The law does not change how facial recognition may be used for other types of evidence or in non-dwelling settings.

HB 756 allows Maryland law enforcement to use facial recognition technology to investigate specific crimes when the image was captured inside a dwelling (a structure adapted for overnight accommodation). It permits this use only for investigating first-degree arson, second-degree arson, and certain burglary or trespass offenses (first/third/fourth-degree burglary, trespass on posted property, or wanton trespass on private property). The bill does not expand general use of facial recognition but creates a narrow exception for images obtained inside homes during these specific investigations. This change modifies existing law to permit the technology in these limited circumstances, while maintaining broader restrictions on its use for other crimes or contexts.