To Amend The Automatic License Plate Reader System Act; And To Provide For The Use Of Automatic License Plate Readers By Private Landowners, Private Leaseholder, And Commercial Businesses.
Impact
The bill modifies existing law to grant specific permissions for ALPR use, thus impacting statutory language related to law enforcement authority and the privacy rights of individuals. The captured data can now be used by private entities for defined purposes, although strict regulations govern its retention and sharing. Essentially, private users are allowed a limited timeframe for data retention—up to sixty days—while law enforcement can retain data longer under specific conditions. Moreover, all data collected must be kept secure and cannot be sold or traded for commercial purposes.
Summary
Senate Bill 446 aims to amend the Automatic License Plate Reader System Act by allowing private landowners, private leaseholders, and commercial businesses to use automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). The bill defines these entities as non-governmental users who can utilize ALPRs for promoting public safety, deterring crime, and monitoring access to private property. This amendment is significant as it extends the use of ALPR technology beyond law enforcement, highlighting a trend towards increased privatization of surveillance tools in public and private spaces.
Sentiment
The reception of SB446 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that it enhances public safety and provides necessary tools for crime deterrence while maintaining a degree of privacy through strict data retention and usage regulations. Conversely, critics express concerns over potential privacy violations, fearing that increasing ALPR usage in private hands could lead to surveillance overreach and misuse of personal data. The tension between enhancing security measures and protecting individual privacy rights is a key point of discussion in evaluating the bill's overall sentiment.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB446 is the balance between security needs and privacy rights. While proponents emphasize the bill’s potential to bolster safety through legitimate use of technology by commercial and private entities, opponents warn that this could lead to a normalization of surveillance, where the constant monitoring of public areas becomes commonplace. The debate over the acceptable limits of ALPR use and data retention continues to evoke varied perspectives on what constitutes responsible governance in the face of evolving technological capabilities.
To Authorize The Issuance Of Special License Plates For National Historic Sites In Arkansas; And To Create The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Special License Plate.
To Authorize The Issuance And Renewal Of A Special License Plate To Promote And Support The Arkansas Dyslexia Support Group; And To Repeal The Little Rock Air Force Base Special License Plate.
To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Commercialize The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Program; To Create The Arkansas Commerce Tire Program Act; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Provide Consumer Protection For In-state Internet Auction Sales And Estate Sales; To Amend The Law Concerning The Auctioneers Licensing Board; And To Amend The Auctioneer's Licensing Law.
Relating to the sale by the Brazos River Authority and regulation of certain residential and commercial real property in the immediate vicinity of Possum Kingdom Lake.
Relating to the sale by the Brazos River Authority of certain residential and commercial leased lots and other real property in the immediate vicinity of Possum Kingdom Lake.
Relating to the sale by the Brazos River Authority of certain residential and commercial lots in the immediate vicinity of Possum Kingdom Lake to leaseholders of those lots.