Bill > H3155

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for the use of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems in South Carolina, defining an ALPR as a camera system that converts license plate images into computer-readable data. The bill strictly limits ALPR usage to specific governmental and law enforcement purposes, including comparing license plate data with law enforcement databases, parking enforcement, securing restricted areas, and verifying commercial vehicle registrations. Key provisions include requiring ALPR systems to be installed only at specific locations like weigh station entrance ramps, mandating that captured plate data must not be preserved for more than 90 days, and prohibiting the sale or unauthorized sharing of collected data. Law enforcement agencies are permitted to share data only if it indicates evidence of an offense, and they must update collected data every 24 hours. The bill defines important terms like "captured plate data" and "secured area" and establishes that violations are punishable as misdemeanors with potential imprisonment up to one year. The legislation aims to balance technological law enforcement tools with privacy protections by creating clear, restrictive guidelines for ALPR system deployment and data handling.