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Minutes for SB434 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Creating exemptions in the open records act for records that contain captured license plate data or that pertain to the location of an automated license plate recognition system.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 8, 2022
Chairperson Patton opened the hearing on SB434. Natalie Scott provided an overview of the bill. She stood for questions. (Attachment 6)
Proponent
Ed Klumpp explained this bill is about creating the balance between the use of a proven public safety tool, Automated License Plate Recognition, for solving crimes and recovering stolen property with the privacy protection of citizens whose data is collected. Our associations requested this bill to address this issue. It was prompted by the Kansas Department of Transportation bringing the issue to the attention of several local law enforcement agencies. If enacted, this bill will protect the privacy of citizens of Kansas by assuring the data recorded in these systems will remain closed to open records requests. These systems have proven to be vital tools in solving violent crimes and recovering stolen vehicles and other property. Criminals are using modern technology to victimize our citizens. It is critical that our law enforcement agencies can also use modern technology to protect our citizens from crime. Mr. Klumpp and the organizations he represents encourages the membership to pass the bill. Mr. Klumpp stood for questions. (Attachment 7)
Lt. Casey Slaughterhouse stated Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology has been an effective tool for law enforcement and homeland security operations for almost two decades. The Wichita Police Department successes have been extensive with arrests and successful prosecutions of fugitives, homicide suspects, known drug traffickers, recoveries of stolen vehicles and license plates, recovery of kidnapping victims, leads in violent crime investigations and the seizure of large amounts of illegal drugs. ALPR technology also provides public safety benefits for regional and national Amber and Silver alerts, allowing law enforcement officers to be aware of urgent matters involving abducted or missing persons. ALPR data is a significant benefit to law enforcement investigations, even carrying weight in criminal trials. Mr. Slaughterhouse stood for questions. (Attachment 8)
Proponent Written
John Goodyear, General Counsel, League of Kansas Municipalities (Attachment 9)
Colonel Herman T. Jones, Kansas Highway Patrol (Attachment 10)
Opponent Written
Emily Bradbury & Allison Mazzei, Kansas Coalition for Open Government (Attachment 11)
Chairperson Patton closed the hearing on SB434.
