Andrade Introduces New Regulations for Automatic License Plate Readers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- As part of an effort to maintain transparency, state Rep. Jaime Andrade Jr., D-Chicago, has introduced new regulations governing the data collection of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) in Illinois, requiring law enforcement agencies to document and report when they access or obtain ALPR system data as part of a criminal investigation. 

“The possibility of misuse of the sensitive information contained on license plate reading systems is far too high; we cannot allow it to be used for the wrong reasons,” said Andrade. “This legislation creates a process of transparency by creating a trail of information on the who, what and why for the access of Illinoisans private data.”

Andrade’s House Bill 5231 requires that law enforcement agencies facilitate public reports anytime the ALPR system is used and what it is used for in relation to criminal and civil cases. The measure is intended to promote accountability while maintaining the effectiveness of investigative tools used by police in Illinois. 

Currently, the ALPR system can only be used by law enforcement agencies as a part of a criminal investigation, as part of an active investigation of a missing or endangered person, and for tracking a person associated with human trafficking. The bill also lists any penalties for a law enforcement officer who uses this system not for its intended purpose. 

“Every year I work to constantly protect Illinoisan’s privacy, and this year is no different,” said Andrade. “License plates hold a person’s driver’s license, their address, birthdate, insurance policies and any personal information tied to that. It’s important we ensure that access to this data is for good and necessary reasons, approved by the ALPR system, to make our neighborhoods safer.”