Automated license plate reader bill advances
Rep. John Hodgson, R-Fisherville, presented House Bill 58 during Wednesday’s House Judiciary Committee meeting. A high-res version can be found here.
FRANKFORT — A Kentucky House bill that would limit the amount of time automated license plate reader data can be stored is on the move.
Rep. John Hodgson, R-Fisherville, presented House Bill 58 to the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. He said this is the fourth time he’s filed legislation on automated license plate reader data retention.
“The crux of this bill is that we are intending to limit the retention of that data to 90 days after,” he said. “With certain exceptions, it should be destroyed.”
HB 58 would also strictly limit the sale or distribution of that data, Hodgson said.
The bill would only allow automated license plate readers to be used to regulate parking, toll collection, controlling access to secured areas, promoting public safety, deterring crime or to address auto theft, among a few other exceptions.
Under HB 58, it would be unlawful for an individual, entity, partnership, corporation, association or the state to use an automated license plate readers other than what is permitted by the legislation.
Violators could face a $20-$2,000 fine or up to a year in prison, according to the bill.
Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville, asked Hodgson if the legislation would impact the new highway work zone speeding enforcement cameras that are being installed around the state. Blanton sponsored legislation related to highway work zone cameras in 2025.
“Is there an exception if there is a pending court case that needs that data to be retained until the conclusion of that court case?” Blanton added.
Hodgson said HB 58 would not prohibit the speeding enforcement cameras. The legislation would also allow exceptions on data retention for criminal and insurance investigations.
“If there’s an active criminal investigation, you can retain it as long as necessary, and also an active insurance investigation or subpoena,” Hodgson said.
The House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to send HB 58 to the full House.
In explaining her vote, Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge, said she thinks HB 58 “is a step in the right direction” but she would prefer to see automated license plate readers outlawed.
Rep. T.J. Roberts, R-Burlington, also explained his vote. He is also wary of automated license plate readers.
“The right to be left alone is one of those rights that sparked the revolution that created this country,” he said. “This gets us closer to that effort and ensures that there’s at least guardrails in place to ensure that citizens are not constantly being spied on.”
