Texas Senate Bill 704 (SB704) addresses the capture and use of biometric identifiers, specimens, or genetic information [1]. The legislation extends its scope to both governmental bodies, peace officers, and persons engaged in commercial purposes, also authorizing civil penalties for non-compliance [1]. The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee on March 1, 2023 [2].

Who does SB704 affect?

Organizations operating in Texas that capture, process, or use individuals' biometric identifiers, specimens, or genetic information for commercial purposes are within scope. This includes entities utilizing facial recognition for identification, voice biometrics, or other technologies processing unique biological or behavioral characteristics. Government bodies and peace officers are also explicitly included under the bill's provisions.

What is the current status of SB704?

As of the last published update, SB704 is at the "introduced" stage, with bill status "introduced".

Where can I find the primary source for SB704?

The primary source for the most recent update is at https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB704. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill.

TX, US · AI law tracker

SB704 — TX, US

SB704 is an AI governance legislation from TX, currently introduced. Texas Senate Bill 704, which proposes regulations on biometric and genetic data use, was referred to committee [2]. AIGI tracks 1 primary-source update on this bill; the most recent was published on 2023-02-03.

Status & timeline

Regulatory stage: introduced
Bill status: introduced
Authority / governing body: Texas Legislature
Chamber: senate
Document type: legislation

Next deadline: No fixed deadline — the bill is currently in committee, and its provisions are not yet effective.

Subscriber only

Full obligation matrix

Actor	Obligation	Deadline	Source
governmental body	Restrict the capture and use of individual's biometric identifiers, specimen, or genetic information.	—	—
peace officer	Restrict the capture and use of individual's biometric identifiers, specimen, or genetic information.	—	—
person for commercial purposes	Restrict the capture and use of individual's biometric identifiers, specimen, or genetic information.	—	—
governmental body, peace officer, or person for commercial purposes	Potentially face civil penalties for non-compliance with new restrictions on biometric and genetic data.	—	—

Subscriber only

Enforcement risk score

/ 100

Announced regulation; enforcement footprint still forming.

Subscriber only

Role-based compliance checklist

general_counsel Monitor the legislative progress of Texas SB704 to track potential legal obligations.
compliance_officer Assess current internal practices for the capture, use, and storage of biometric and genetic information for potential conflicts with proposed regulations.
chief_ai_officer Evaluate potential impacts on AI/ML systems involved in biometric identification or genetic data processing.

Subscriber only

Vendor impact assessment

Vendor risk class: high
Procurement categories: security_tooling, hr_tech, customer_service_ai, other

Vendors providing services that involve the collection or processing of biometric identifiers or genetic information, especially those operating in Texas, will need to demonstrate robust compliance with proposed new restrictions and be prepared for potential civil penalties. This includes AI-powered biometric identification or genetic analysis tools.

Sample vendor questions

How do you ensure compliance with state laws regarding biometric and genetic data capture and use in Texas?
What data minimization techniques are employed for biometric and genetic information handled by your service?
Do you have a clear policy for obtaining and managing consent for biometric data collection in Texas?
What are your data retention and deletion policies specifically for biometric identifiers and genetic information?
How do you handle data breaches involving biometric or genetic data, and what is your notification protocol?

Intelligence briefs (1)

legislation introduced 2/3/2023

Texas SB704 Advances: Biometric & Genetic Data Use by Public & Private Entities

Texas Senate Bill 704, which proposes regulations on biometric and genetic data use, was referred to committee [2].

This development signals potential new obligations for organizations handling sensitive biometric or genetic data for commercial purposes in Texas.

Deadline: No fixed deadline — the bill is currently in committee, and its provisions are not yet effective.

Primary source →

Frequently asked questions

What is SB704?: Texas Senate Bill 704 (SB704) addresses the capture and use of biometric identifiers, specimens, or genetic information [1]. The legislation extends its scope to both governmental bodies, peace officers, and persons engaged in commercial purposes, also authorizing civil penalties for non-compliance [1]. The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee on March 1, 2023 [2]. Primary source →
Why does SB704 matter?: This development signals potential new obligations for organizations handling sensitive biometric or genetic data for commercial purposes in Texas. Primary source →
Who does SB704 affect?: Organizations operating in Texas that capture, process, or use individuals' biometric identifiers, specimens, or genetic information for commercial purposes are within scope. This includes entities utilizing facial recognition for identification, voice biometrics, or other technologies processing unique biological or behavioral characteristics. Government bodies and peace officers are also explicitly included under the bill's provisions. Primary source →
What are the key dates for SB704?: No fixed deadline — the bill is currently in committee, and its provisions are not yet effective. Primary source →
What is the current status of SB704?: As of the last published update, SB704 is at the "introduced" stage, with bill status "introduced". Primary source →
Where can I find the primary source for SB704?: The primary source for the most recent update is at https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB704. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill. Primary source →

Stay informed

Get briefs on every AI law, every morning.

Start 14-day trial →

Important — about this brief

This brief is published by AIGI as a regulatory intelligence service. It contains general information about AI laws, regulations, enforcement actions, and policy signals across jurisdictions. It is not legal, compliance, audit, or risk-management advice; it does not establish an attorney-client, advisory, or fiduciary relationship; and it should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counsel applied to specific facts and circumstances. Where the brief identifies “Issues for Review,” those are observations of questions a reader in a particular role might raise with their own legal, compliance, or risk function — not recommendations to act. AIGI expressly disclaims liability for actions taken or not taken in reliance on this brief. Subscribers in regulated industries should consult licensed professionals authorized to practice in their jurisdiction.

Full disclosures →

Status & timeline

Intelligence briefs (1)

Texas SB704 Advances: Biometric & Genetic Data Use by Public & Private Entities

Frequently asked questions

Related

Get briefs on every AI law, every morning.