PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 2, 2014
Biometric Information Privacy Act - Establishes an offense that subjects business entities (including organizations, trusts, and nonprofits), government entities, and people to penalties for knowingly: (1) obtaining in a fraudulent manner personal physiological biometric information relating to an individual, or (2) disclosing such information without permission from the individuals to whom the information pertains.
Defines "personal physiological biometric information" as genetic information, finger prints, palm prints, hand geometry, iris scans, retina scans, and eye vein scans.
Sets forth the following penalties to apply to such offenses:
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
a fine of up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to 1 year, or both;
if the offense is committed under false pretenses, a fine of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both; and
if the offense is committed with intent to sell, transfer, or use individually identifiable health information for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm, a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
Permits a governmental entity to obtain such personal information pursuant to a court order only if, in the court proceeding relevant to such order: (1) such entity offers clear and convincing evidence that the subject of the information is reasonably suspected of engaging in criminal activity and that the information sought would be material evidence in the case, and (2) the subject of the information is afforded the opportunity to appear and contest such entity's claim.
Requires the Attorney General (DOJ) to enforce violations of this Act.
People & committees
Rep. Stockman, Steve [R-TX-36] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.4381 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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