Senate Bill 381, discussed on Feb. 18, would establish statewide standards for how images and related data generated by automated enforcement systems—speed cameras, red‑light cameras, school bus cameras and similar programs—are accessed, retained and destroyed.

Sponsor Senator Love said the bill creates a uniform system to protect privacy while allowing law enforcement to access data necessary for investigation. “SP 381 sets up a system of access, retention, and destruction of that data,” the sponsor told the chamber as he described the four committee amendments that were adopted.

Why it matters: Maryland currently operates multiple automated enforcement programs across jurisdictions. The bill aims to set statewide minimums for retention periods, establish procedures for law‑enforcement access when necessary, and require regular disposal of data not needed for investigations.

The committee adopted four amendments on the floor. One amendment added cosponsors, another was technical, a third established procedures for law enforcement access and use of images, and a fourth changed the timetable for disposal of recorded images. Senator May described her amendment as "controversial and complex" but said she supported the package after prior committee work.

During questioning, a senator from Montgomery County asked whether the $1,000 penalty set in the bill was a sufficient disincentive for law enforcement agencies that failed to comply. The sponsor said the committee previously considered the amount and determined it sufficient.

Outcome: The four committee amendments were adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Lawmakers said the measure balances privacy protections with investigatory needs and that they expect further refinement in later stages.