KY HB58: AN ACT relating to privacy protection.

In one paragraph

Kentucky's HB 58 (2026) makes it unlawful for anyone, including the state and local governments, to use automated license plate readers (ALPRs: high-speed cameras plus data processing that turn vehicle and plate images into computer-readable data) except for listed purposes such as parking, secured-area access, public safety and auto theft, law enforcement, commercial vehicle enforcement and tolls. Captured data generally may not be kept over 90 days or sold or shared, with exceptions for police, insurers and lenders. Violations carry fines of $20 to $2,000, up to one year in jail, or both. Signed April 10, 2026 (Acts Ch. 71).

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Private ALPR operators may use the cameras only for parking, secured-area access or public safety and auto theft, generally must purge data after 90 days, and may not sell or share it except as the act allows. Insurers and lenders using ALPR data must notify applicants from January 1, 2027.

Key provisions

1. 1New section of KRS Chapter 189: an ALPR is one or more automated high-speed cameras used with data processing to convert images of vehicles and license plates into computer-readable data; captured data includes GPS coordinates, date and time, photos, plate number, and make, model and color
2. 2ALPRs may be used only to regulate parking, control access to secured areas, or promote public safety, deter crime and address auto theft; by public and law enforcement agencies for law enforcement and commercial vehicle enforcement; and by the Transportation Cabinet for tolls, road fund revenue and commercial vehicle enforcement
3. 3Captured data may not be kept over 90 days unless held for those agency purposes, held by police as evidence in a criminal or insurance claim investigation, for redacted training or for auditing, or subject to a subpoena or preservation notice
4. 4Only the deploying entity may use the data; it may not be sold, shared or transferred except to police or their contractors for public safety or criminal investigations, under subpoena, to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, or to insurers and lenders for listed purposes
5. 5Insurers may receive data for fraud, vehicle recovery and claims, and lenders for collateral recovery, liens, defaulted funds or loan verification (with the owner's agreement or written consent); both must notify applicants on or after January 1, 2027 in a website privacy statement or the application
6. 6Before deploying an ALPR, a law enforcement agency must adopt and publish a written policy (databases, retention, training, oversight, access and security, audits every 90 days); before a traffic stop on an alert, an officer or dispatcher must visually confirm the scanned plate matches the alert and the stop meets agency policy and law
7. 7The Transportation Cabinet must set a permit process for ALPRs on highway rights-of-way and adopt regulations; a violation is punishable by a $20 to $2,000 fine, up to one year in county jail, or both (KRS 189.990(33))
8. 8Signed by the Governor April 10, 2026 (Acts Ch. 71) after passing the House 89-9 and the Senate 34-3, with House concurrence 70-19

Latest legislative action

Apr 10, 2026. Signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 71)

Sponsors (showing 5 of 60)

Roll call votes

Amendments (5)

• House Committee Substitute Not adopted
• House Floor Amendment Not adopted
• House Floor Amendment Not adopted
• Senate Committee Substitute Not adopted
• Senate Floor Amendment Not adopted