Provides for municipal and state police authorities to acquire and to utilize automated license plate readers. Further, the act identifies what data may be collected and in what ways the data can be used.
Impact
The legislation introduces mandatory public council approval for law enforcement agencies before they can seek funding for ALPRs, acquire or share these devices, and use the data collected. This requirement is established to enhance transparency and public accountability regarding the use of surveillance technology. Additionally, agencies are mandated to update the public on the use of ALPRs, including data collection figures and any complaints or errors related to the technology, thereby promoting accountability.
Summary
House Bill 7749, introduced by Representative Joseph J. Solomon, is a piece of legislation aimed at regulating the acquisition and use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) by municipal and state police authorities. The bill establishes clear definitions and operational protocols for ALPRs, which are electronic devices that capture and compare license plate data against law enforcement databases for investigative purposes. The intent of the bill is to provide law enforcement agencies with tools to enhance public safety while ensuring adherence to privacy laws.
Contention
Notably, there are significant discussions surrounding this bill. Supporters argue that it will bolster law enforcement's ability to track stolen vehicles and individuals involved in crimes, thereby improving public safety. However, opponents raise concerns regarding potential infringements on personal privacy and civil liberties. The bill seeks to balance these interests by allowing only limited uses of data collected through ALPRs, explicitly prohibiting actions like capturing images of vehicle occupants or using the data beyond law enforcement purposes.
Enforcement
The bill also outlines strict penalties and remedial measures for agencies that violate its provisions. For example, the attorney general can pursue injunctions against offending entities. Any unlawfully obtained data must be immediately destroyed, reinforcing the bill's emphasis on privacy protection. Overall, H7749 represents a legislative effort to navigate the complexities of modern technology use in law enforcement while safeguarding citizens' rights.