WA Senate OKs guardrails for license plate readers

By: Jake Goldstein-Street

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: February 5, 2026

Words: 724

Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

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Legislation to regulate the use of automated license plate readers amid concerns over federal immigration agents accessing data the devices collect, passed the Washington state Senate on Wednesday.

It was a bipartisan, 40-9, vote with only Republicans opposed.

Many local police departments have adopted the emerging surveillance technology in recent years. The readers are mounted everywhere from street poles to police patrol cars. They can sweep up massive amounts of information, taking pictures …

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