SB 138: License Plate Reader Amendments

Libertas Institute Staff
| 14th Feb 2025

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Libertas Institute opposes this bill

Staff review of this legislation finds that it violates our principles and must therefore be opposed.

Government surveillance decreases our privacy protections and increases government control.

That is why Libertas Institute opposes Senate Bill 138 from Senator Derrin Owens.

This bill allows law enforcement to use license plate readers without a warrant. Giving law enforcement that power drastically decreases our fourth amendment right to privacy. Warrants require law enforcement to demonstrate probable cause before accessing private personal information.

If the warrant requirement is removed, police and other government entities can bypass judicial oversight, potentially leading to unjustified investigations, harassment, or political targeting. It sets a dangerous precedent, expanding government surveillance and data collection.

Allowing warrantless tracking of citizens undermines our fundamental privacy rights.