Bill would limit federal use of vehicle plate readers and data

Federal agencies, officials, and people acting for the government may not acquire, possess, access, or use plate readers or their data in the United States. The definition covers systems that capture and track vehicle plate information, and data derived from them, including data gathered by public or private systems. An exception applies only when another act of Congress specifically identifies who may use the technology or data, for what purposes, and under what safeguards. Toll readers used only to handle tolls are exempt from the general ban, but their data may be used only for toll purposes, with limited disclosure and retention rules. The bill states no separate start date for this rule; it would take effect if enacted, subject to the bill’s effective-date provisions.

Five federal departments may not provide certain federal aid to a state or local government unless it has a law or binding policy that bars its agencies and representatives from using plate readers to the same or greater extent as the federal ban. This applies to states and local governments receiving covered federal financial assistance. The condition applies to aid administered or provided by the Departments of Justice, Transportation, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, or Homeland Security. The state or local rule must cover its agencies, officials, employees, contractors, and people acting on its behalf. This funding condition would begin on the first day of the first federal fiscal year that starts after enactment.

Federal funds could not pay for buying, using, or obtaining plate readers or their data, including through contracts or reimbursements. This covers federal funds, including money provided through grants, contracts, and other forms of federal assistance. The restriction applies directly and indirectly, including to award recipients and subrecipients; they could not shift costs between accounts or direct another entity to do the prohibited work. Exceptions apply to activities specifically authorized under the bill’s congressional-authorization rule and to tolling that follows the bill’s toll-data limits. Non-federal funds may be used for otherwise lawful activity. Federal funds used in violation would have to be repaid, and an agency could suspend or end the related part of an award after considering the violation’s circumstances. The bill gives no separate start date for this funding restriction; it would take effect if enacted, subject to the bill’s effective-date provisions.