Oregon limits police plate-reader use and protects collected data

Law enforcement agencies may use plate readers and collected data only for listed purposes. These rules cover law enforcement agencies using plate-reader systems or their data. They exclude photo red-light cameras and photo radar used for specified traffic enforcement. Listed purposes include investigating certain crimes or violations, finding vehicles linked to missing or endangered people, and identifying uninsured or unregistered vehicles. Before stopping a driver based on an alert, an officer or other authorized user must visually confirm the match and make sure the stop follows agency policy and law. Agencies may share data with another law enforcement agency. Sharing with an outside government agency is allowed only for a relevant law enforcement purpose, without unrestricted or ongoing access; court-issued legal process may also require access. Agencies must follow these use and sharing rules regardless of when they signed, renewed, or extended a vendor contract.

Agencies must log searches, limit how long they keep most collected data, publish edited audit results, and set rules for system use and security. The duties apply to law enforcement agencies and vendors that provide plate-reader systems or related services. Data not tied to a court proceeding or ongoing criminal investigation may be kept for no more than 30 days. Related data may be kept as long as evidence is normally retained for court business. Vendors must provide searchable monthly audits and quarterly audits of searches done for outside government agencies. Agencies must publish audit results, or arrange for vendors to provide public access, within two days of receiving them. Public audit results must remove identifying details, including plate numbers and vehicle details tied to a person. Agencies must publish audit results, or ensure vendors provide public access, within two days after receiving each audit.

The Criminal Justice Commission distributes money appropriated for the Justice Reinvestment Equity Program through a technical assistance provider and subgrants to service organizations. The program supports organizations providing culturally specific or culturally responsive services and the people those services serve. The commission selects a provider with experience working with prior program subgrantees. The provider recommends awards, and the commission approves final awards. The program supports culturally specific organizations and culturally responsive service providers offering services such as health care, housing, reentry, and violence prevention. The program can distribute only money appropriated to the commission; the text sets no date for grant awards.