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Senate Approves Statewide ALPR Privacy Rules After Hours of Debate
Summary
The Washington Senate passed substitute SB 6002 on Feb. 3, 2026, setting statewide rules for automated license plate reader systems after extended debate over privacy, retention and allowable law-enforcement uses; the measure cleared the floor with a recorded majority.
The Washington State Senate on Feb. 3 advanced and passed substitute Senate Bill 6,002, a measure that sets statewide rules for automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems and clarifies when and how law enforcement may access and retain plate-reader data.
The bill’s sponsors and supporters said the measure strikes a balance between public-safety utility and privacy protections. After floor amendments and extended debate over retention periods and authorized uses, the Senate declared the bill passed on final reading.
Why it matters: The bill addresses growing concerns about large-scale tracking and third-party vendor access to movement data. Sponsors said clear statutory limits prevent misuse and provide consistent rules for jurisdictions that have paused ALPR contracts pending direction. Opponents…
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