California and federal lawmakers debate regulation of automated license plate reader technology

California and federal lawmakers are debating the regulation of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) used by at least 230 California law enforcement agencies. While police credit ALPRs, like those from Flock Safety, with solving major crimes, privacy advocates raise concerns over illegal data sharing with federal and out-of-state agencies. In response, California Senator Sabrina Cervantes introduced Senate Bill 1013 to limit data retention to 30 days and restrict sharing, attempting to overcome Governor Gavin Newsom's 2025 veto of similar legislation.

Automated license plate reader technology

• ▪At least 230 police and sheriffs' departments in California deploy automated license plate readers along roadways or on patrol cars
• ▪Automated license plate readers capture plate numbers in real time and cross-reference them with law enforcement databases to locate specific vehicles

SB 1013 privacy restrictions

• ▪Senate Bill 1013 has advanced through the California Legislature with only Republicans voting against it, pending before the Assembly Appropriations Committee in August 2026
• ▪California Senate Bill 1013, authored by Senator Sabrina Cervantes, proposes limiting police retention of license plate data to 30 days
• ▪Senate Bill 1013 would prohibit California law enforcement from contracting with camera companies that provide default database access to federal and out-of-state police

Law enforcement crime-solving success

• ▪Tustin Police Chief Sean Thuilliez reported that automated license plate readers enabled detectives to quickly apprehend a murder suspect at the Mexico border in May 2026
• ▪At least 39 California police agencies and officers' unions oppose Senate Bill 1013, arguing the technology is vital for solving crimes
• ▪The Berkeley Police Department reported that 52 Flock Safety cameras installed in 2025 contributed to 58 arrests and 37 stolen vehicle recoveries

Federal database access concerns

• ▪Flock Safety allowed federal authorities to search local license plate data during a pilot program, though the company states it has since stopped the program
• ▪California law enforcement officers have repeatedly violated an 11-year-old state law prohibiting the sharing of license plate data with federal and out-of-state authorities
• ▪United States Representative Thomas Massie announced plans to sponsor a bill withholding federal funds from police departments deploying Flock Safety cameras

Newsom veto of SB 274

• ▪Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 274 in 2025, citing concerns that a 60-day data purge requirement could hinder cold case investigations
• ▪Senate Bill 1013 addresses Governor Gavin Newsom's prior veto concerns by allowing data retention for missing person searches and making audits contingent on funding