Kentucky Lawmakers Advance Bill to Limit Automated License Plate Reader Data Retention

Legislation would restrict storage of license plate data to 90 days, with exceptions for criminal and insurance investigations.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A Kentucky lawmaker has introduced a bill that would limit the amount of time automated license plate reader data can be stored to 90 days, with exceptions for criminal and insurance investigations. The bill, sponsored by Representative John Hodgson, has advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee and now heads to the full House for consideration.

Why it matters

The use of automated license plate readers has raised privacy concerns, as the data collected can be used to track the movements of individuals. This legislation aims to balance public safety needs with individual privacy rights by restricting the retention of this data.

The details

House Bill 58 would only allow automated license plate readers to be used for specific purposes, such as regulating parking, toll collection, controlling access to secured areas, promoting public safety, deterring crime, or addressing auto theft. The bill would also strictly limit the sale or distribution of the data collected. Violators could face fines or up to a year in prison.

  • The House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to send HB 58 to the full House on February 16, 2026.

The players

Representative John Hodgson

A Jefferson County lawmaker who sponsored House Bill 58 to limit the retention of automated license plate reader data.

Representative John Blanton

A Salyersville lawmaker who asked about the impact of the legislation on new highway work zone speeding enforcement cameras.

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What they’re saying

“The crux of this bill is that we are intending to limit the retention of that data to 90 days after. With certain exceptions, it should be destroyed.”

— Representative John Hodgson

“Is there an exception if there is a pending court case that needs that data to be retained until the conclusion of that court case?”

— Representative John Blanton

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full House for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to strike a balance between public safety needs and individual privacy rights by limiting the retention of automated license plate reader data, while still allowing exceptions for criminal and insurance investigations.