Senate bill would tighten limits on license‑plate-reader data: 60‑day retention cap and stricter access rules

Sen. Caroline Cervantes introduced SB 274 to tighten privacy safeguards around automated license plate recognition systems (ALPR). The bill would limit retention of ALPR scans to 60 days unless linked to an active investigation or an authorized 'hot list,' require data‑privacy and security training for users, restrict queries to case‑numbered searches or specified hot‑list matching and direct the Department of Justice to audit public agencies that operate ALPR systems.

Proponents, including the California Public Defenders Association and several civil‑liberties groups, cited a 2020 state auditor’s report and investigative journalism showing law‑enforcement misuse, expansive sharing with federal agencies and indefinite retention in many jurisdictions. They described examples where ALPR data had been used to track or harass individuals and argued the bill is needed to protect privacy and civil‑liberties interests.

Law‑enforcement groups — the California State Sheriffs’ Association, Police Chiefs Association, and several county sheriff offices — opposed the measure’s 60‑day retention cap. They said ALPR helped solve crimes, sometimes outside a narrow time window, and objected to requirements that a case number exist before a query; they proposed alternative safeguards such as a secure “lockbox” accessible only on judicial order or by chief‑level approval in limited circumstances.

The author said amendments accepted in committee — including clearer definitions of authorized hot lists, required training and DOJ audits — were intended to balance privacy and investigative needs. Committee discussion weighed the examples of misuse against law‑enforcement evidence‑collection needs. The committee recorded a motion to pass as amended to Appropriations; the bill’s opponents and proponents signaled ongoing negotiations on lockbox/access exceptions and retention policy.