Bill > HB05449

This bill establishes regulations for the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, which are devices that capture images of license plates and convert them into computer-readable data, by public agencies and law enforcement agencies. Starting October 1, 2026, these agencies can only use ALPR systems for specific purposes, such as weigh station duties, traffic analytics, enforcing traffic violations with speed control systems, and assisting law enforcement in investigations by comparing data against hotlists (lists of registration numbers) or specific databases like those for missing persons or terrorists, or to aid in locating individuals with felony warrants, missing persons, or stolen vehicles. The bill mandates that ALPR data, which includes license plate characters, vehicle images, location, and timestamps, cannot be kept for longer than thirty days unless it's part of a court order, needed for highway usage fees, or is evidence in an active criminal investigation with supervisory approval. Furthermore, the bill prohibits using ALPR data to monitor individuals based on protected characteristics like race or sexual orientation, to investigate First Amendment activities, or to enforce immigration laws or investigate reproductive or gender-affirming healthcare services. Sharing of ALPR data is restricted to other law enforcement agencies with specific declarations of compliance, or to individuals requesting data on vehicles registered in their name, with strict conditions. The bill also requires the development of a model policy for ALPR system use by December 1, 2026, and mandates that law enforcement agencies adopt this policy or one with greater privacy protections by January 1, 2027, with state-level regulations to follow. Finally, agencies using ALPR systems must report their usage annually, and a consolidated report will be submitted to the Governor and legislative committees.