Senate approves limits on automated plate readers and eases front‑plate requirement for some vehicles
March 28, 2025 | 2025 Senate Legislative Sessions, 2025 Legislative Sessions, Idaho
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BOISE — The Idaho Senate on March 27 approved Senate Bill 11-80, a judiciary and rules committee bill that (1) establishes limits and auditing and access controls for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and (2) removes the front‑license‑plate requirement for vehicles that are not equipped with a factory front-plate mounting bracket.
Sponsor Sen. O'Connorowitz said the bill has two distinct parts. The first sets privacy, auditing and access rules for passive, continuously operating plate‑reading cameras; she said law enforcement groups such as the sheriff’s association and the Fraternal Order of Police were not opposed to that portion while the city of Boise had expressed concerns. The second part removes the requirement to affix a front plate where a vehicle lacks a factory mounting bracket; the sponsor said this preserves collector and sports cars from drilling holes or otherwise altering the vehicle while leaving two‑plate issuance intact.
Opponents argued the front‑plate portion would hamper law enforcement; Sen. Foreman and others said an identifiable front plate is often critical when officers and witnesses pass at speed and need to confirm a vehicle. Supporters said many newer cars lack factory brackets, noted 20 states do not require front plates, and argued the change would avoid vehicle damage. Sen. Guthrie questioned whether motorists could simply remove brackets to evade the requirement; the sponsor said the language is aimed at factory-equipped brackets, not aftermarket removal, and said cleanup language could follow if needed.
Senators also emphasized privacy and governance for ALPR data. Supporters said the bill limits access, requires auditing and prevents unlimited retention or sharing of sensitive location data; sponsor testimony on the floor noted that several law‑enforcement groups supported the privacy controls but some municipalities expressed concerns about specific enforcement uses.
After debate the Senate voted 25–10 to pass the bill. The Senate approved the title and the bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives.
Why it matters: The measure creates statewide rules for a rapidly spreading technology — automated license plate readers — that privacy advocates and civil‑liberties groups have criticized for potential overreach, and it changes enforcement of the front‑license‑plate requirement for an identifiable category of vehicles. Local law enforcement groups and municipalities offered mixed views during floor debate.
(This report summarizes floor debate and the roll call on March 27, 2025.)
Sponsor Sen. O'Connorowitz said the bill has two distinct parts. The first sets privacy, auditing and access rules for passive, continuously operating plate‑reading cameras; she said law enforcement groups such as the sheriff’s association and the Fraternal Order of Police were not opposed to that portion while the city of Boise had expressed concerns. The second part removes the requirement to affix a front plate where a vehicle lacks a factory mounting bracket; the sponsor said this preserves collector and sports cars from drilling holes or otherwise altering the vehicle while leaving two‑plate issuance intact.
Opponents argued the front‑plate portion would hamper law enforcement; Sen. Foreman and others said an identifiable front plate is often critical when officers and witnesses pass at speed and need to confirm a vehicle. Supporters said many newer cars lack factory brackets, noted 20 states do not require front plates, and argued the change would avoid vehicle damage. Sen. Guthrie questioned whether motorists could simply remove brackets to evade the requirement; the sponsor said the language is aimed at factory-equipped brackets, not aftermarket removal, and said cleanup language could follow if needed.
Senators also emphasized privacy and governance for ALPR data. Supporters said the bill limits access, requires auditing and prevents unlimited retention or sharing of sensitive location data; sponsor testimony on the floor noted that several law‑enforcement groups supported the privacy controls but some municipalities expressed concerns about specific enforcement uses.
After debate the Senate voted 25–10 to pass the bill. The Senate approved the title and the bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives.
Why it matters: The measure creates statewide rules for a rapidly spreading technology — automated license plate readers — that privacy advocates and civil‑liberties groups have criticized for potential overreach, and it changes enforcement of the front‑license‑plate requirement for an identifiable category of vehicles. Local law enforcement groups and municipalities offered mixed views during floor debate.
(This report summarizes floor debate and the roll call on March 27, 2025.)
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