Bill would ban automated license plate reader data from FOIA

A newly released bill would exempt data collected by automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The ban, part of a larger General Law Committee (GL) bill on consumer privacy, also prohibits the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from sharing ALPR data in response to requests from immigration enforcement agents or from entering into a contract with any ALPR user unless the contract prohibits selling that information.

“Automated license plate reader information is confidential and shall not be deemed a public record for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act.” the bill reads.