Bill > S0447

This bill establishes regulations for the use of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems, which are high-speed cameras that convert images of vehicles and license plates into computer-readable data. ALPR systems can generate "alerts" when a vehicle's license plate matches information on a "hot list," which is a list of plates or vehicle characteristics checked against databases like the National Crime Information Center. The bill defines "governmental entity" as any state, county, or local government branch or agency. It generally prohibits the use of ALPR systems by individuals or private entities, with exceptions for specific governmental uses. Law enforcement agencies can use ALPR systems for criminal justice purposes, including maintaining an ALPR database managed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and for regulating parking, controlling access to secured areas, and deterring crime. The Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation can also use these systems for toll collection and traffic management. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies develop public policies for ALPR use, including oversight, training, data security, retention limits (90 days unless part of an ongoing investigation), and destruction protocols. It also requires officers to visually confirm alerts before initiating a traffic stop and ensures that any plate added to a hot list or data search is supported by a documented law enforcement purpose. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to permit governmental entities to install cameras, including ALPR systems, on non-interstate highway rights-of-way through a permitting process.