Utah lawmakers are preparing a bill proposal to add new regulations for automated license plate readers, known as Flock cameras, amid growing privacy concerns and reports of misuse. The legislative effort, led by Sen. Calvin Musselman, a West Haven Republican, follows an investigation highlighting extensive out-of-state searches of Weber County's license plate camera data.
Sen. Musselman, who chairs the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee, stated during a Wednesday meeting that the question is not whether the state should allow the cameras, but how to regulate them. He acknowledged the technology's value for law enforcement purposes while also noting "legitimate concerns on privacy." The bill is expected to implement additional regulations for various technologies used by law enforcement, including these cameras.
Governor Spencer Cox and other Utah leaders have expressed worry about cases of misuse reported across the country. Last month, Governor Cox indicated he was deeply troubled by findings from the Utah Civic Compact, which revealed that nearly 97% of searches in Weber County’s Flock database originated from law enforcement agencies outside of Utah.
Utah law currently restricts searches of license plate camera databases to active criminal investigations, outstanding warrants, searches for missing or endangered persons, or stolen vehicles. Despite the technology being used by law enforcement for years, recent concerns have surfaced over allegations of police officers in other states using Flock camera data to track individuals they know personally, rather than for official duties.
Governor Cox previously asked the Utah Privacy Governing Board and the Utah Privacy Commission to review all existing regulations concerning these cameras in Utah and to investigate their use by local agencies. He stated he would support legislation to close any gaps found in current law, though he believes existing legislation should protect privacy. Christopher Bramwell, Utah’s chief privacy officer, informed the committee that the Privacy Governing Board is working to gather objective facts. Bramwell noted the complexity of distinguishing between what law enforcement actually does, what the system is capable of, and features that may not exist.
The use of license plate readers extends beyond law enforcement to sectors such as higher education and the Utah Inland Port Authority, making the regulatory task more complex. Bramwell pointed out that Utah has a comprehensive government data privacy law, which is updated annually, but lacks a similar framework for cybersecurity. He suggested that some new requirements for law enforcement might be applicable more broadly.
Meanwhile, leaders from law enforcement have urged the state to retain the technology. The Utah Law Enforcement Legislative Committee (ULELC), representing police chiefs, sheriffs, peace officers, and prosecutors, issued a statement affirming their commitment to responsible use. The ULELC believes that the responsible application of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology allows Utah to protect both public safety and individual rights.
