Panel releases bill restricting sharing of license-plate data for reproductive-health investigations after heated debate

The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee voted to release S1290, legislation that would prohibit sharing automated license-plate reader (ALPR) information for interstate investigations concerning reproductive-health services that are legal in New Jersey.

Caitlin Boydwitz of Planned Parenthood said the bill would protect people who travel to New Jersey for lawful reproductive-health care, arguing that "people coming to New Jersey to seek legal care...should not have to worry about if their license plate information will be tracked in New Jersey and then used to criminalize them in their home state." She cited national examples of ALPR data being used in reproductive-health investigations.

Opponents, including Marie Tasty representing New Jersey Right to Life and survivor advocates, argued the measure could create gaps that traffickers or other cross-border criminals might exploit. "By restricting the sharing of crucial information, we create vulnerabilities that can be immediately taken advantage of by those seeking to evade justice," Tasty said, adding that the bill imposes an unusual interstate restriction that could hinder trafficking and missing-person investigations.

Reverend Gregory Quinlan and other public-safety witnesses raised concerns that the bill would interfere with routine interstate cooperation and expose officers to civil penalties if they inadvertently share data. Committee members acknowledged the tension between privacy and investigative needs; one senator said she was "a little anti big brother" and inclined to support the bill but would consult chiefs of police before floor action. The committee voted to release the bill for further consideration.