HB 5231

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Chief Procurement Office for General Services shall determine the automatic license plate readers and ALPR systems for use in the State. Allows a law enforcement agency to enter into a contract with a vendor for the installation, use, or maintenance of ALPR systems approved by the Chief Procurement Office. Provides that a law enforcement agency may use ALPR systems only: (1) as part of a criminal investigation into an alleged violation of State law or any ordinance of any county, city, or town where there is a reasonable suspicion that a crime was committed; (2) as part of an active investigation related to a missing or endangered person, including whether to issue an alert for the person, or a person associated with human trafficking; or (3) to receive notifications related to a missing or endangered person, a person with an outstanding warrant, a person associated with human trafficking, a stolen vehicle, or a stolen license plate. Provides that system data shall be purged after 21 days of the date of its capture and audit trail data shall be purged after 2 years of the date of its capture. Sets forth provisions on the disclosure of system of data and audit trail data. Requires a law enforcement agency that uses ALPR systems to maintain records sufficient to facilitate public reporting, the production of an audit trail, and discovery in criminal and civil proceedings, appeals, and post-conviction proceedings. Sets forth policies for law enforcement agencies to establish in the use of ALPR systems. Requires a law enforcement agency to report on its use of the ALPR systems to the Illinois State Police, the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Provides that a notification by ALPR systems does not, by itself, constitute reasonable suspicion as grounds for a law enforcement agency to stop a vehicle. Provides that any person who willfully and intentionally queries, accesses, or uses ALPR systems for a specified purpose, or who willfully and intentionally sells, shares, or disseminates system data or audit trail data, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Requires a law enforcement agency to take measures to promote public awareness on the use of ALPR systems. Makes other changes. Makes a conforming change in the Freedom of Information Act.