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Bill Summary · SF 4850

Summary of SF 4850 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Overview

SF 4850 is a Minnesota Senate bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session that modifies Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) provisions with a focus on clarifying and regulating the involvement of third-party service providers. The bill was introduced and referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committees on March 25, 2026. Co-sponsor: Warren Limmer.

Purpose and intent

  • To address how ALPR technology is used, stored, shared, and managed when third-party service providers are involved.
  • To tighten or adjust governance around data handling, access, retention, and oversight of ALPR systems operated in conjunction with law enforcement and third-party vendors.
  • The bill aims to balance public safety needs with privacy and civil liberties considerations by setting explicit roles and responsibilities for third-party providers.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill title and scope)

While the full text is not provided here, the title suggests the following core areas are likely addressed:
- Role delineation for third-party service providers: Specifies what functions third-party providers may perform in relation to ALPR systems (e.g., data collection, storage, analytics, data transfer) and what remains the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
- Data access and retention: Establishes standards for how long ALPR data can be retained, who may access it, and under what circumstances data can be shared with third parties or other agencies.
- Privacy and oversight safeguards: Imposes privacy protections and potential auditing or reporting requirements to ensure compliant use of ALPR data by third parties.
- Accountability and liability: Clarifies accountability mechanisms, including potential disciplinary or legal consequences for misuse or mishandling of ALPR data by third-party providers.
- Procurement and contracts: Regulates how law enforcement agencies engage third-party service providers, including contract requirements, performance metrics, and compliance with state laws.

Who is affected

  • Law enforcement agencies using ALPR technology in Minnesota, particularly those engaging third-party service providers for ALPR-related services.
  • Third-party service providers that supply, operate, or manage ALPR systems or data services for law enforcement.
  • Public and private stakeholders concerned with privacy, data security, and civil liberties related to surveillance technologies.
  • General public whose license plate data may be collected, stored, or shared through ALPR systems.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: SF 4850 was introduced on March 25, 2026, and referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committees for consideration.
  • Possible future steps: If advanced, the bill would undergo committee hearings, potential amendments, floor debate, and votes in the Senate, followed by consideration in the House and potential reconciliation before becoming law.

Practical implications

  • Potentially more explicit limits and safeguards on third-party involvement in ALPR ecosystems.
  • Increased transparency around data practices, retention periods, and access controls.
  • Enhanced privacy protections for individuals whose license plate information is collected by ALPR systems.
  • Clearer procurement and contract standards for agencies engaging external ALPR providers.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to include a section-by-section outline once the full text is available, or compare SF 4850 to existing Minnesota ALPR statutes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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