This bill aims to enhance the regulation of automated license plate reader (ALPR) data in Minnesota by centralizing its management within the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and imposing stricter usage restrictions. Key provisions include the establishment of the BCA as the central repository for all ALPR data collected by law enforcement agencies, which must be stored on a state-based server. The bill also introduces new definitions, such as "law enforcement agency," and outlines the types of data that can be collected, which are limited to license plate numbers, timestamps, locations, and images of vehicles. Additionally, it mandates that data unrelated to active criminal investigations must be destroyed within 48 hours, a reduction from the previous 60-day requirement.

Furthermore, the bill regulates the use of ALPR systems by private entities, requiring them to inform drivers when such systems are in operation and prohibiting the sale or sharing of ALPR data without consent or a court order. It also emphasizes that access to ALPR data by law enforcement must be strictly controlled and documented, with a new provision preventing the dissemination of this data outside the state unless legally mandated. The bill includes a timeline for law enforcement agencies to transfer existing ALPR data to the BCA by December 1, 2026, ensuring a more centralized and regulated approach to the management of this sensitive information.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.824