Texas, North Dakota Consider License Plate Reader Limits

Texas lawmakers have proposed measures ranging from a statewide ban on automated license plate readers to rules requiring warrants, limiting data use and sharing with federal agencies, and deleting most records within 48 hours. The proposals reflect concerns about privacy, unauthorized searches and federal access, while police say the cameras help locate missing people, recover stolen vehicles and investigate crimes. In North Dakota, Sen. Jamie Selzler plans to introduce a 2027 bill tying searches to investigations, generally limiting data retention to 14 days, and establishing audits and penalties for misuse. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has defended the technology, calling privacy fears misinformation while acknowledging that safeguards may be needed as it advances.