Government Technology – Public Safety/Justice

Michigan Bills Would Regulate Automatic License Plate Readers

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan two‑bill package to regulate automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) used by law‑enforcement and private firms. The proposals would restrict data collection, storage, and sharing, limit retention to 14 days, and require quarterly public reports on usage. Currently more than 125 cities and counties employ ALPRs, with a $2.6 million state contract with Flock Safety through 2030. The bills aim to balance public‑safety benefits with privacy protections amid growing concerns over mass surveillance and ICE access.