New Mexico Bill Aims to Limit License Plate Data Sharing

Legislation seeks to restrict out-of-state agencies from using license plate camera data to enforce laws like immigration or abortion bans

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A bill called the "Driver Privacy and Safety Act" has passed the New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee and is headed to the Senate floor for a vote. The legislation seeks to restrict out-of-state agencies, such as immigration enforcement, from using license plate camera data collected in New Mexico to enforce laws in other states, including immigration laws or abortion bans.

Why it matters

This bill is part of a broader debate around data privacy and the use of surveillance technologies by government agencies. Supporters argue the legislation is necessary to protect New Mexico residents' privacy and prevent their data from being used against them by outside entities, while critics contend it could hinder law enforcement efforts.

The details

The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously, despite some misgivings from a pair of Republican committee members. The legislation's sponsors, including Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, argue that without "basic guardrails," automatic license plate readers pose a "really dangerous tool" that could be misused.

  • The bill passed the New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The bill will next head to the New Mexico Senate floor for a vote.

The players

Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez

A Democratic state senator from Albuquerque who expressed distrust in allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access the license plate data.

Sen. Peter Wirth

The Democratic Senate Majority Leader and one of the bill's sponsors, who argued that without proper safeguards, automatic license plate readers are a "really dangerous tool."

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What they’re saying

“I don't trust ICE with this information in any way, shape or form.”

— Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (santafenewmexican.com)

“If we don't put basic guardrails on, this is a really dangerous tool.”

— Sen. Peter Wirth, Senate Majority Leader (santafenewmexican.com)

What’s next

The bill will next be considered by the full New Mexico Senate, where it will need to pass before moving to the state House of Representatives.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects growing concerns over data privacy and the potential misuse of surveillance technologies by government agencies, especially when it comes to sensitive personal information like license plate data. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between public safety and individual rights in the digital age.