The bill amends Title 12 of the General Laws by adding 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 council approval following a public hearing before seeking funding, acquiring, or using ALPRs.

It outlines specific conditions under which these devices can be operated, including restrictions on the types 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 or vehicles associated with wanted persons. The bill prohibits the use of ALPRs for photographing occupants of vehicles or capturing images of passersby.

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 the bill can lead to legal action by the attorney general, and any unlawfully obtained data must be destroyed and cannot be used as evidence in legal proceedings. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.