Privacy & Surveillance in Lawrence, MA (2026)
2 verified privacy & surveillance rules for Lawrence, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Facial Recognition Ban
Lawrence's Surveillance Technology ordinance, Chapter 9.25, classifies facial, voice, iris, and gait-recognition software as regulated surveillance technology and requires a public hearing and city council vote before any city department can fund, buy, or deploy it.
Lawrence Requires Council Approval for Facial ID
Significant RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances Sections 9.25.020(E)(1)(e), 9.25.030
Surveillance technology includes, but is not limited to: ... (e) biometric surveillance technology, including facial, voice, iris, and gait-recognition software and databases ... A municipal entity must obtain approval from the city council, subsequent to a mandatory, properly-noticed, pertinent, public hearing at which the public is afforded a fair and adequate opportunity to provide testimony...
License Plate Readers
Lawrence's Surveillance Technology ordinance, Chapter 9.25, names automatic license plate readers as regulated surveillance technology and bars any city department from funding, acquiring, or using them without a public hearing and city council approval of a surveillance impact report and use policy.
Lawrence Requires Council Vote to Use ALPRs
Significant RestrictionsLawrence, MA Code of Ordinances Sections 9.25.020(E)(1)(b), 9.25.030
Surveillance technology includes, but is not limited to: (a) international mobile subscriber (IMSI) catchers and other cell site simulators; (b) automatic license plate readers; (c) electronic toll readers ... A municipal entity must obtain approval from the city council, subsequent to a mandatory, properly-noticed, pertinent, public hearing at which the public is afforded a fair and adequate o...