Government and private users would face limits on surveillance data

Private people and organizations, along with government entities, would be barred from knowingly accessing, collecting, using, selling, transferring, or sharing captured surveillance data. The rule covers data from automated license plate recognition systems and mass surveillance technology, including images, videos, location information, and other recorded observations. The restrictions would apply unless another provision provides an exception. Mass surveillance technology would not include a camera used only to watch a specific area for immediate security when it is not linked to identification or recognition systems. The text says the relevant sections would be repealed one year after the act takes effect.

Law enforcement agencies and peace officers could use covered surveillance data for specified alerts and certain identification purposes. The exceptions cover alerts for children, older adults, people with certain disabilities, blue alerts, escaped-convict alerts, and assistance to federal immigration officials in locating people without legal presence. Peace officers could not use the data beyond their job duties or the listed purposes. Toll-road operators could use camera data only for electronic billing, required legal compliance, and systems that are not connected to law enforcement databases or available to law enforcement without a warrant. Traffic photo-monitoring devices could continue operating when authorized by the referenced state law or an equivalent local ordinance. These permissions would apply while the proposed sections remain in effect.

Local governments would be prohibited from adopting or keeping rules that conflict with the state's policies on covered surveillance systems and data. The restriction applies to political subdivisions and their charters, ordinances, resolutions, rules, and other measures concerning license-plate recognition, mass surveillance technology, and captured data. The proposed statewide rules would prevail over less restrictive state or local rules. The text does not authorize a surveillance system that another law or rule already prohibits. The text says the chapter's sections would be repealed one year after the act takes effect and refers to abolishing General Assembly limits at that time.