Bill > SB71

This bill establishes the Automatic License Plate Reader Act, which creates comprehensive regulations for law enforcement agencies' use of license plate reading technology. The bill defines an automatic license plate reader system as high-speed cameras attached to law enforcement vehicles or mounted on street poles that capture vehicle license plate information, and provides specific guidelines for its use. Law enforcement agencies are permitted to compare license plate data with various databases, including motor vehicle, criminal justice, and missing persons databases, primarily for investigative purposes. The bill limits data retention to 14 days without an alert, with exceptions for ongoing investigations, legal requests, or probable cause warrants. Agencies must protect the collected data's security, prohibiting data sharing with unauthorized third parties or selling the information. The legislation mandates annual reporting to the legislature about system usage, including the number of plates scanned and resulting arrests. Importantly, the bill explicitly prohibits using the system to target individuals or groups based on protected characteristics like race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. The collected license plate data is considered confidential and not a public record, with limited disclosure provisions for registered vehicle owners. The act aims to balance law enforcement needs with individual privacy protections.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=71&year=25