Committee approves substitute to limit ALPR data retention to 90 days, with exceptions

Representative John Hodgson (District 36) told the House Judiciary Committee that the substitute to House Bill 58 is the product of four years of work with law enforcement, finance companies and insurers. "The crux of the bill is that we are intending to limit the retention of that data to 90 days ... it should be destroyed so it can't be used for future fishing expeditions," Hodgson said, adding the substitute narrowly enumerates permissible uses.

Hodgson said the substitute also "strictly limit[s] the sale or even giving away of that data" to avoid invading personal privacy while still allowing ALPR use "to enhance public safety and prevent crime." Members asked whether this would affect prior work‑zone camera legislation; Hodgson said it would not. He also confirmed exceptions for active criminal investigations, active insurance investigations and subpoenas.

Representative Maddox said he would vote yes but urged further restrictions, saying he would like to see ALPRs outlawed. Representative Roberts explained his yes vote and warned about automated enforcement, saying the technology's error rates have produced "catastrophic results for innocent parties" and emphasizing "the right to be left alone." The committee adopted the substitute and the clerk's roll call was announced as 19 yes and 0 no.

Chair Daniel Elliott announced the committee had amended and passed the substitute and would report it with a favorable recommendation.