On February 6, 2024, Senate Bill 2979 amending the Biometric Information Privacy Act was assigned to the Judiciary Committee after being filed and read for the first time on January 31, 2024.

What are the main provisions of the bill?

In particular, the bill adds to the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) the concept of 'electronic signature,' defined as an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record. The bill provides that electronic signature is a method for providing written consent.

Additionally, the bill provides that if a private entity violates requirements for collecting, capturing, purchasing, receiving through trade, or otherwise obtaining the same biometric identifier or biometric information from the same person using the same method of collection in more than one instance is considered to have committed a single violation for which the aggrieved person is entitled to, at most, one recovery.

You can read the bill here and track its progress here.

Update: March 15, 2024

Bill passes Committee and moves to third reading

On March 14, 2024, the bill was read for the second time and placed on the calendar order for its third reading on March 20, 2024, after having passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 13, 2024.

You can read the bill here and track its progress here.

Update: April 12, 2024

Bill passes third reading in Senate

On April 11, 2024, the bill passed its third reading in the Senate.

You can read the bill here and track its progress here.

Update: April 15, 2024

Bill referred to House Rules Committee

On April 12, 2024, the bill was referred to the House Rules Committee after its first reading in the House on the same date.

You can read the engrossed bill here and track its progress here.

Update: May 31, 2024

Bill passes House and Senate

On May 16, 2024, the bill passed its third reading in the House, following its passage, on April 11, 2024, by the Senate. The bill must now be sent to the Governor of Illinois for signature.

You can read the bill here and track its progress here.

Update: June 14, 2024

Bill sent to Governor for signature 

On June 14, 2024, the bill was sent to the Governor for signature.

You can read the bill here and track its progress here.

Update: August 5, 2024

Bill signed by Governor

On August 2, 2024, the bill was approved by the Governor of Illinois.

The bill entered into force upon becoming law.

You can read the bill here and view its history here.