House Bill No. 961 introduces new regulations regarding the use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) by law enforcement agencies in Texas. The bill defines an "automatic license plate reader" as a system that captures and records license plate numbers from digital photographs. It stipulates that law enforcement agencies may only utilize ALPRs when authorized by a warrant or court order. Furthermore, any images and related data obtained through ALPRs can only be used for investigating violent criminal offenses, as defined in the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill mandates that such data must be destroyed promptly after collection unless it pertains to a vehicle involved in a relevant criminal offense or investigation.

Additionally, the bill prohibits law enforcement agencies from sharing ALPR data with third parties unless authorized by the new regulations. Agencies are required to adopt a policy governing their use of ALPRs, compile an annual report detailing the number of license plates scanned and the outcomes of investigations that led to arrests or prosecutions, and publish both the policy and report on their publicly accessible websites. This legislation aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the use of technology by law enforcement while protecting citizens' privacy rights. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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