TX HB961

Law enforcement agencies may only use automatic license plate readers (systems that read and record license plate numbers from digital photographs) when authorized by a warrant or court order

Images and data from license plate readers may only be used for investigating violent criminal offenses as defined under Article 17.50(a)(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure

Collected images and data must be destroyed promptly unless the vehicle is involved in a violent offense investigation or is registered to a person involved in such an investigation

Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from entering agreements to share license plate reader data with other persons except for purposes authorized under this section

Agencies using license plate readers must adopt a usage policy, compile annual reports (including number of plates scanned and scans leading to arrests/prosecutions), and publish both the policy and report on their public website

Effective date: September 1, 2025