Bill
HB 1050
HB 1050 would allow DOT to enter binding agreements with law enforcement to place license plate readers on DOT assets, overriding existing highway-fund rules.
Status (key dates)
- Introduced: November 12, 2024 (Transportation Committee, at the request of the Attorney General)
- Committee hearing scheduled January 16, 2025
- Second reading: January 28, 2025 — failed to pass (yeas 42, nays 51)
- Current: Did not advance beyond second reading
Purpose / intent
- To authorize and require the Department director to enter cooperative agreements with law enforcement agencies (including county, city, state, or federal border control agencies) for the placement of license plate readers (LPRs) on department‑owned or department‑operated equipment or infrastructure, and to make the terms of such agreements controlling with respect to state highway fund usage rules.
Key provisions
- Amends and reenacts ND Century Code § 24‑02‑45 (cooperative agreements with counties or cities).
- Authorizes the director to enter agreements with state agencies, counties, or cities for joint administration of activities to improve highway system efficiency.
- Adds a requirement that, upon request of a state/county/city law enforcement agency or a federal agency with border control responsibilities, the director shall enter an agreement to place LPRs on department‑owned or department‑operated equipment or infrastructure.
- States that the terms of such agreements supersede NDCC §§ 24‑02‑36 and 24‑02‑37 — and “any other state law” governing the use of state, county, or city highway funds.
Who would be affected
- North Dakota Department of Transportation (or the designated “director”) — gains authority and, in some cases, a duty to enter LPR placement agreements.
- Local law enforcement agencies (city, county, state) and certain federal border control agencies — gain access to place LPRs on DOT assets via agreement.
- Counties and cities — potentially affected because the bill’s agreements can supersede statutes that regulate the use of highway funds.
- General public — increased LPR deployment raises potential privacy, civil‑liberties, and data‑governance concerns.
- Fiscal actors — potential costs (equipment, installation, maintenance, data storage) and funding implications depending on agreement terms; the bill text does not specify funding or data‑retention/usage safeguards.
Notable legal and policy implications
- Supersession clause: By making agreement terms supersede statutes governing highway fund use (NDCC §§ 24‑02‑36 and 24‑02‑37), the bill could permit use of DOT assets or funds for LPR placement notwithstanding prior statutory limits.
- Mandatory response to requests: The director “shall” enter an agreement at the request of eligible law enforcement/border agencies, moving beyond mere permissive cooperation.
- The bill text does not address: data retention limits, access controls, auditing/oversight, third‑party sharing, cost allocation, or public notice—issues commonly raised in debates over LPR deployment.
Bottom line
HB 1050 would have enabled expanded placement of license plate readers on state DOT infrastructure through binding cooperative agreements that can override existing highway‑fund use rules. Though advanced through committee activity, it failed its second reading (42–51) and did not become law in this legislative session.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
