Missouri Governor Kehoe restricts license plate reader technology

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed Executive Order 26-18 to establish strict safeguards on the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, such as Flock Safety cameras. The order aims to prevent the misuse of personal location data and protect the constitutional rights of citizens while maintaining the technology's utility for law enforcement.

Key provisions of the order include a requirement that license plate and vehicle data be deleted after 30 days, a prohibition on companies selling this data, and a ban on integrating AI facial recognition technology with ALPR systems. The use of captured images is restricted to legitimate criminal justice and lifesaving purposes.

The move follows reports of data misuse, including an incident involving a New York investigator and a case in St. Charles, Missouri, where a civilian police employee used information for non-police purposes. The executive order remains in effect until the Missouri General Assembly enacts permanent legislation. The Missouri Department of Public Safety has been directed to establish specific rules for the technology's application.