Governor DeSantis Criticizes License Plate Reader Use as 'Out of Control,' Calls for Legislative Safeguards
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly stated that the increasing use of license plate readers (LPRs) by law enforcement agencies in Florida is 'out of control' and necessitates legislative action to protect residents' privacy. Speaking at a news conference at Florida International University, DeSantis acknowledged the utility of such tools for investigating crimes but emphasized his opposition to their use for broad surveillance of individuals not suspected of wrongdoing. He specifically mentioned systems like those from Flock Safety, noting their expansion beyond toll collection to criminal surveillance, primarily operated by local police and sheriff's offices. DeSantis indicated that while state agencies use this technology, their usage is less extensive compared to local entities. He also referenced a previous attempt to address digital surveillance through an AI bill of rights, which passed the Florida Senate but failed in the House. The Governor is reviewing New Hampshire's approach to LPR regula... 
