Bill > HB5492

This bill, titled the "Regulating Automatic License Plate Readers Act," establishes rules for how private entities operating automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems, which are devices that automatically capture license plate information, must handle the data they collect. Specifically, it requires these operators to preserve captured license plate data for at least 14 days if a government entity or a defendant in a criminal case requests it, provided the request includes specific details about the cameras or license plates and the relevant dates and times. The bill also outlines a process for government entities or defendants to obtain a court order to access this preserved data if it's deemed relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation, missing persons case, or prosecution, and mandates the destruction of preserved data if the court application is denied or after the 14-day preservation period. Furthermore, it clarifies that government entities can only obtain or use privately held license plate data with a warrant or under these preservation rules, and only if the private system retains data for 14 days or less. The bill also states that any data or evidence obtained in violation of these rules cannot be used in court proceedings and provides a legal remedy for individuals harmed by violations, allowing them to sue for damages and attorney fees. Finally, it specifies that captured plate data is not subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and can only be shared with the vehicle's registered owner or with their consent, with an exception for cases involving protection orders where disclosure is further restricted to warrants or court orders. This act is contingent on the enactment of another bill, House Bill No. 5493.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5492