The bill H. 4013 aims to regulate the use of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems in South Carolina by defining specific terms and outlining the permissible entities and uses of such systems. It establishes that only state, county, or municipal law enforcement agencies, along with certain governmental entities, may utilize ALPR systems for law enforcement purposes, parking regulation, access control to secured areas, and public safety initiatives. The bill mandates that any data collected through these systems must not be shared for purposes outside of those specified and requires law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies governing the use of ALPR systems, including oversight, training, data security, and retention protocols.

Additionally, the bill introduces a permitting process for the installation of cameras, including ALPR systems, on noninterstate highway rights of way, managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining access logs for accountability and limits the retention of license plate reader data to a maximum of ninety days unless it is part of an ongoing investigation. The legislation also prohibits governmental entities from selling license plate reader data for any purpose, ensuring that the information is used solely for the intended law enforcement and public safety objectives.

Statutes affected:
02/13/2025: 23-1-235, 57-3-786
Latest Version: 23-1-235, 57-3-786