A clear line must be drawn to protect our privacy and uphold ethical standards that don’t undermine our state’s values and laws. Unfortunately, license plate readers are usually programmed to store the location information and photographs of every vehicle that passes by, not just those that trigger a hit. These photographs, along with all related information, are kept in a database that can be shared with various entities, including law enforcement agencies, fusion centers, and private companies. As a result, these databases contain hundreds of millions of data points detailing the travel histories of millions of motorists who have committed no crime.
Senate Bill 1013 is a significant legislative measure aimed at establishing robust safeguards and crucial oversight regarding the use of ALPR throughout our state.
This bill is designed to ensure that Californians’ privacy is respected and preserved while maintaining compliance with existing sanctuary laws that safeguard vulnerable communities.
Senator Cervantes seeks to ensure that necessary oversight and accountability in law enforcement practices are in place, ensuring that our laws are honored and that our most vulnerable populations are safeguarded from potential abuses of power in a heightened mass-surveillance state.