COLUMBIA, S.C. — A bill currently under consideration in the State House aims to impose tighter regulations on Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs).
These devices are used by law enforcement agencies to scan license plates and identify violations or criminal activity. They are commonly mounted on streetlights, overpasses, and police vehicles, and play a significant role in law enforcement's efforts to solve and prevent crimes.
“Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, the public expects more out of law enforcement and because of that we have to use the available technology out there to stay ahead of the game,” said Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey.
Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook also voiced support for the proposed regulations. He said his department has been using the technology since 2022.
“LPR systems are incredibly important to preventing and solving crime,” said Holbrook.
However, the growing use of LPRs is causing privacy concerns.
"Our biggest obstacle is trying to figure out how to limit the company that you're buying the information from, from selling it to someone else," said Representative William Bailey.
In response to these concerns, Representative Todd Rutherford is sponsoring a bill that would restrict ALPR usage to law enforcement agencies only.
The proposed legislation would permit data storage for up to 90 days, except during ongoing investigations, and prohibit access to this data by businesses, individuals, and government agencies.
"Innocent South Carolinians should not be tracked by the government," said Rutherford.
The House Subcommittee is expected to take action on the proposal once amendments are drafted.
In the meantime, the State Department of Transportation has temporarily halted the approval of new cameras on state roads pending further review.