Maryland § 4-320.1

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 4-320.1, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4-320.1.

    (a)    In this section, “facial recognition” means a biometric software application that identifies or verifies a person by comparing and analyzing patterns based on a person’s facial contours.

    (b)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, an officer, an employee, an agent, or a contractor of the State or a political subdivision shall deny inspection of the part of a public record that contains personal information or inspection of a photograph of an individual by any federal agency seeking access for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law, unless the officer, employee, agent, or contractor is provided with a valid warrant issued by a federal court or a court of this State.

        (2)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, an officer, an employee, an agent, or a contractor of the State or a political subdivision shall deny inspection using a facial recognition search of a digital photographic image or actual stored data of a digital photographic image by any federal agency seeking access for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law, unless the officer, employee, agent, or contractor is provided with a valid warrant issued by a federal court or a court of this State.

        (3)    On or before June 1, 2023, and each June 1 thereafter, the Motor Vehicle Administration, the Department of State Police, and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services shall, with respect to requests from federal agencies seeking access for the purpose of federal immigration enforcement for personal information, a photograph of an individual, or a facial recognition search, whether or not the request was initiated through a State or local law enforcement agency, report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the following information for the immediately preceding calendar year:

            (i)    the number of requests received from any federal agency for personal information, a photograph of an individual, or a facial recognition search;

            (ii)    the number of requests received from any federal agency for personal information, a photograph of an individual, or a facial recognition search for which a valid warrant issued by a federal court or a court of this State was provided;

            (iii)    the number and purpose of facial recognition searches completed for any federal agency based on personal information or a photograph of an individual provided to the federal agency by the Motor Vehicle Administration, the Department of State Police, or the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and

            (iv)    the number of individuals whose personal information or photograph was provided to any federal agency by, respectively, the Motor Vehicle Administration, the Department of State Police, and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 4-320.1

What does Maryland Code § 4-320.1 cover?

Section 4-320.1 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 4-320.1?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 4-320.1" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 4-320.1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.