The bill amends Title 12 of the General Laws by introducing a new chapter, CHAPTER 5.3, which establishes regulations for the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) by municipal and state law enforcement agencies. It defines an automated license plate reader as an electronic device that captures license plate data and compares it to law enforcement databases for investigative purposes. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies must obtain municipal approval before seeking funding, acquiring, or using ALPRs, and outlines specific conditions under which these devices can be operated, including restrictions on the type of data that can be collected and the purposes for which it can be used.

The operation of ALPRs is limited to official law enforcement purposes, such as identifying stolen vehicles and vehicles associated with wanted persons. The bill prohibits the use of ALPRs for photographing or recording occupants of vehicles, passersby, or for any purpose not specified in the law. It also requires that law enforcement agencies certify that their ALPRs meet all requirements and have policies governing their use.

Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to maintain a public log of ALPR usage, detailing the aggregate number of vehicles scanned, any identified stolen vehicles, and complaints received. It stipulates that any data collected must be purged within 30 days unless it pertains to an ongoing investigation or has resulted in an arrest. Violations of the provisions outlined in this chapter may lead to legal action by the attorney general, and any unlawfully obtained data must be destroyed. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.