California lawmakers push bill to curb automated license‑plate reader use

California’s state legislature is debating a bill that would tighten limits on automated license‑plate readers (ALPRs). The technology, deployed by more than 230 police and sheriff departments, has helped solve crimes such as murders, robberies and hit‑and‑runs, but privacy advocates argue it enables unwarranted surveillance and data sharing. The proposed legislation would restrict how long ALPR data can be retained, who may access it and with whom it can be shared. The bill is sponsored by State Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes, who says it aims to protect Californians’ privacy while keeping law‑enforcement tools accountable. Police agencies and officers’ unions oppose the measure, noting a prior similar bill was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Critics also cite incidents where ALPR data was misused, including a Texas officer’s search of a national database for an abortion‑seeking patient, raising concerns about out‑of‑state access.

The debate highlights the tension between public‑safety benefits and civil‑liberties protections in the state’s expanding surveillance infrastructure.