Bill > S1817

This bill establishes regulations for the use of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems, which are defined as cameras that convert license plate images into readable data. The bill restricts how state officials can use ALPR systems, permitting their use for parking enforcement, controlling access to secured areas, electronic toll collection, and by law enforcement for immediate comparison against specific databases to identify outstanding violations, registration issues, inspection violations, stolen vehicles or plates, felony warrants, or missing persons, or when authorized by a warrant. It also prohibits accessing ALPR data from other entities without a warrant and prohibits selling or trading such data. Entities using ALPR systems must update their databases regularly, and alerts from these systems do not automatically justify a traffic stop, requiring visual confirmation first. Captured ALPR data must be deleted within 14 days unless preserved by a warrant, and entities must publicly post policies on their use, data retention, and annual usage reports. ALPR data is considered personal data and can only be disclosed to the registered owner or with their consent, with exceptions for abuse prevention orders and warrants. Data improperly captured or maintained cannot be used in legal proceedings, and defendants can use such data in their defense. Furthermore, ALPR data cannot be used to determine credit ratings, loan eligibility, insurance rates, employment decisions, or for marketing purposes. Violations of these regulations are considered violations of Chapter 93A, and individuals harmed by improper use can pursue civil action for damages.