Senate allows private property owners to use automatic license plate readers and share plate images for investigations

Senators approved a bill to amend Arkansas’ automatic license plate reader rules to allow private landowners, leaseholders and commercial businesses to operate ALPR systems on private property and to share plate images for law‑enforcement investigations under enumerated protections.

Senator Gilmore, who introduced the bill, said the change is intended to help deter organized theft and other crimes by enabling property owners to collect plate information on vehicles that enter private lots and to turn that data over for investigation when appropriate. “The license plates of people who are entering into their parking lot…allows them to use that data so that if they are trying to catch maybe a ring of thieves, that they can use that, turn that over for investigation purposes,” Gilmore said.

During floor questions, Senator Sullivan asked whether private businesses can turn camera access over to government; Gilmore replied that image data could be used in an investigation with a valid subpoena and that the bill limits government access to investigatory uses tied to legal processes. Senator Clark asked whether the law currently permits the practice; Gilmore replied the state does not expressly allow private ALPR use and the bill would set parameters and protections.

Senator Lening asked whether Arkansas is an outlier among neighboring states; Gilmore said most neighboring states allow the practice, though he did not cite an exact count. The secretary announced the final tally as 32 yeas, 0 nays, and 2 present; Senate Bill 446 passed and will be sent to the House.

Ending: Sponsors said the bill balances investigative benefits with privacy protections and sets use limits and subpoena requirements for law enforcement access to private ALPR images. The House will next consider the measure.