Oregon House approves public‑safety package that limits license‑plate reader use and tightens pretrial rules

The House on March 5 approved SB 15 16 A, a multi‑part public safety package that, among other changes, creates statewide standards governing automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) technology, clarifies pretrial release authority, and revises administration of an equity grant program.

Representative Crowell described three parts of the measure: clarifying judicial pretrial release discretion; establishing ALPR use, retention (30 days unless tied to active investigation) and encryption requirements; and revising administration of the Justice Reinvestment Equity grant to allow the Criminal Justice Commission to select culturally responsive technical assistance providers. He said the bill limits how law enforcement collects, uses and shares ALPR data and requires encryption and logging of searches.

Privacy advocates and immigrant‑rights proponents raised concerns about surveillance and federal agencies accessing ALPR data; Representative Wise warned that the technology can enable powerful tracking and urged robust safeguards and enforceability. Members who supported the bill — including Representative Deal — said the measure puts guardrails in place, requires logging and encryption, and gives the state control of ALPR data rather than private vendors.

Provisions also include contractor and vendor accountability, requirements that the data be owned by the law enforcement agency, and a right of action if vendors misuse data or breach contract terms. House members debated balancing privacy safeguards and law‑enforcement utility before voting to pass the measure.