Bill > H5659

This bill provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for municipal and state police authorities' use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs), which are electronic devices that can capture and analyze vehicle license plate information. The legislation defines ALPRs, mandates municipal council approval or advisory processes before acquisition, and strictly limits their use to specific law enforcement purposes such as identifying stolen vehicles, wanted persons, or vehicles linked to active violent felony investigations. The bill prohibits ALPRs from capturing images of vehicle occupants, pedestrians, or collecting biometric data, and requires that any license plate data be purged within 30 days unless it relates to an active investigation. Law enforcement agencies must maintain a public monthly log detailing ALPR usage, including aggregate data collection, identification numbers, and location information. The bill also establishes penalties for improper use, allowing the attorney general to seek injunctions and mandating that improperly collected data be destroyed and inadmissible in legal proceedings. Additionally, law enforcement officers must be certified in ALPR operation, and a positive ALPR match alone cannot constitute reasonable grounds for vehicle stops. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and requires existing ALPR users to undergo an approval process within 120 days of the effective date.

Justice

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