California fails to regulate automated license plate readers for fifth consecutive year
California lawmakers blocked regulatory oversight of automated license plate readers for the fifth consecutive year, leaving the AI-powered surveillance technology deployed by over 230 law enforcement agencies without stronger privacy protections despite documented misuse and inaccurate alerts.
What happened
California lawmakers failed to enact regulations on automated license plate readers (ALPR) for the fifth consecutive year. Senate Bill 1013 would have strengthened privacy protections on how license plate data is collected and shared, but was blocked in the Assembly on the final day of the legislative session before it could receive a floor vote.
The bill would have guarded against misuse of ALPR by law enforcement, required privacy and cybersecurity training, and called for random audits by the California Attorney General's Office. Law enforcement agencies opposed the measure, arguing that the restrictions could limit use of historical license plate data in criminal investigations and missing-person cases.
Reported impact
Privacy advocates have raised concerns about misuse of license plate reader data, including improper data sharing, surveillance, and inaccurate alerts. More than 200 cities or law enforcement agencies ended license plate reader contracts in August 2026, the largest number in any month since 2021.
One Bay Area privacy advocate was held at gunpoint by sheriff's deputies after a license plate reader incorrectly identified his vehicle as stolen. More than 230 California police and sheriff's departments currently use automated license plate readers.
Index analysis
The repeated failure to pass regulations reflects a governance gap regarding the use and oversight of AI-powered surveillance technology by law enforcement. The blocking of bipartisan legislation indicates the influence of law enforcement opposition to data restrictions despite documented misuse.
Governance controls
Law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, Redwood City, El Cerrito and Campbell have ended contracts with Flock Safety in recent weeks amid growing privacy concerns. A similar bill passed in the previous legislative session but was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.