Illinois officials are stepping up protections on automatic license plate reader, or ALPR, data after reports surfaced that Texas police improperly accessed the network to track a woman over an abortion-related case. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the state has moved to block out-of-state authorities from the ALPR system, instructing Flock Safety to cut illegal access. New safeguards, including an audit system and Attorney General involvement, aim to ensure that only legal law enforcement uses it. Under Illinois law, police cannot use ALPR data to enforce other states’ abortion or immigration laws. Violators risk losing data access and grant eligibility.
“License plate readers can serve as an important tool for law enforcement, but these cameras must be regulated so they aren’t abused for surveillance, tracking the data of innocent people or criminalizing lawful behavior,” Giannoulias said. “No one seeking legal healthcare services in Illinois should face harassment or jail – period.”
“At Personal PAC, we work hard with our partners in government, like Secretary Giannoulias, to pass laws that protect abortion in Illinois,” said Sarah Garza Resnick, CEO of Personal PAC. “Patients rely on Illinois for abortion access that they need, and it is on us to ensure that their right to receive that care is protected in our state. We applaud Secretary Giannoulias for taking swift action in looking into the alleged violations of the ALPR data act.”
“Illinois has taken major steps that protect immigrant rights and reproductive rights, but these policies are only effective if the law is followed,” said Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Rights. “We thank the Secretary of State for shutting off access to out-of-state authorities and protecting all people coming through our state.”
