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Bill

Bill

AB 883

Relating to: limiting the use of automatic registration plate readers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gus Gustafson

Bill restricts law enforcement use of automatic license plate readers to address surveillance and privacy concerns, but failed to pass the Wisconsin Senate.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · AB 883

Legislative bill overview

AB 883 seeks to impose restrictions on how law enforcement and other entities can deploy automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) in Wisconsin. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety but failed to advance in the Senate in March 2026.

Why is this important

Automatic license plate readers are increasingly used by police departments to track vehicle movements and identify suspects, but they also capture data on law-abiding citizens' travel patterns. The bill addresses growing concerns about surveillance scope, data retention, and privacy rights in an era of expanding law enforcement technology.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Public Safety: Debate over whether restrictions on ALPRs hamper legitimate criminal investigations and law enforcement effectiveness
  • Data Retention and Access: Disagreement about how long ALPR data should be stored, who can access it, and under what circumstances
  • Scope of Restrictions: Whether limitations should apply equally to police, private security companies, and other organizations that use the technology

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

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