Council reads a motion opposing automated license‑plate readers; full discussion set for February

The council’s Technology Watch and Response Committee read a draft motion and accompanying community letter asking the VMCC to transmit formal opposition to deployment or expansion of automated license‑plate readers (ALPR) and similar integrated surveillance systems affecting Vashon and Maury Island.

The chair read the motion, which highlights privacy and public‑record concerns under Washington law, disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations, and risks from regional or national data‑sharing networks. "The motion is the Vashon Murray Community Council authorizes the transmission of the prepared community letter expressing concern and opposition to the deployment or expansion of automated license plate reader systems and similar automated surveillance technologies affecting Vashon and Maury Island," the chair read into the record.

Chris Lampkin of Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda’s office said the King County sheriff’s office does not currently operate ALPR/Flock systems and that the county is inventorying surveillance technologies; he gave permission for his office’s letter on the issue to be posted on the council blog. The council agreed to publish the draft letter on the VMCC blog for community comment and to hold substantive discussion and any vote at the February council meeting. Members asked about ferry and Good2Go vehicle‑reader proposals and about vendor data‑sharing reports; the Technology Watch committee will post the draft letter and enable comments for community input.