Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1180 creates Section 49-1432, Idaho Code, to regulate the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) by government agencies in Idaho. The bill authorizes ALPR use for specific purposes, including law enforcement investigations, traffic accidents, locating missing or endangered persons, and traffic flow analysis. It prohibits use for routine traffic enforcement unrelated to accidents and bars any use for political, personal, or non-law enforcement purposes. The bill mandates that only authorized personnel may access ALPR data, requires access to be logged and auditable, and compels agencies to conduct training and semiannual audits. Misuse of ALPR data is subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution. The bill also amends Section 49-428 regarding plate display requirements and includes an emergency clause effective July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:
S1180 advances Idaho Republican Party Platform principles by placing strong legal limits on government surveillance technology while allowing narrowly tailored law enforcement use. It establishes clear oversight, transparency, and enforcement mechanisms to prevent abuse and political misuse of ALPR data. By prohibiting revenue-driven enforcement and requiring audits and accountability, the bill protects civil liberties, reinforces due process, and resists government overreach. It is a model of how to regulate powerful technology in a way that defends individual freedom and constitutional integrity, earning a positive rating.