By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed a law prohibiting police departments from sharing automated license plate reader (LPR) data with out-of-state agencies for immigration enforcement purposes.
• The regulations were inserted into broader immigration legislation and took effect after passage by the state legislature.
• Under the law, agencies with LPR cameras may share data with neighboring states (Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island) only if those states agree not to use it for immigration, reproductive care or gender-affirming health care investigations.
• The law also limits data retention periods, requires reporting on usage, and directs development of a model policy for LPR technology.
• Connecticut’s attorney general is authorized to enforce the new provisions; opponents say restrictions could affect some criminal investigations.
HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut has enacted a new law restricting how police can use automated license plate reader data, including a prohibition on sharing the information with out-of-state agencies for immigration enforcement, officials said.
Signed by Gov. Ned Lamont, the regulations were incorporated into broader legislation addressing federal immigration enforcement concerns and aim to close a loophole in the state’s existing trust policies that barred local law enforcement cooperation with immigration authorities.
Under the new rules, law enforcement agencies that operate LPR systems may only share data with neighboring states — specifically Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island — if those jurisdictions agree not to use the data for immigration, reproductive care or gender-affirming health care investigations.
The law also sets limits on how long LPR data may be retained, requires agencies to report how the technology is used, and directs the state police council to develop a model policy for its operation. Enforcement authority is granted to the Connecticut attorney general.
Opposition from some lawmakers centered on concerns the restrictions could hinder the ability of police departments to use the systems for investigations of stolen vehicles and other crimes, although supporters said the provisions better align with state privacy and trust protections.