In one paragraph
South Carolina's H 4675 would create the Community Data Protection and Responsible Surveillance Act. State and local law enforcement could not use surveillance systems (automated license plate readers) that store data on third-party servers or use AI to identify or track vehicles by appearance. Data would be kept at most 21 days and searched only with a warrant. Referred to the House Judiciary Committee January 13, 2026; it has not passed either house.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
If enacted, South Carolina law enforcement agencies would have to stop using license plate reader systems that store data on third-party or cloud servers or track vehicles by appearance, affecting vendors that sell such systems to them.
Key provisions
- No state or local law enforcement agency could use, contract for or participate in a surveillance system that stores data on third-party servers; data would have to sit on in-state servers owned and controlled by state or local government, and contrary contracts would be void
- Agencies could not use AI or automated systems that identify or track vehicles by appearance (dents, decals, paint, accessories); license plate readers could analyze only plate characters plus time, date and location
- Surveillance data could be kept no longer than 21 days, unless tied to an active criminal investigation under a court order
- Access would need a probable-cause warrant, except when there is an imminent threat to life or serious bodily harm and a warrant cannot reasonably be obtained in time (documented within 24 hours for a judge's review); every search would be logged and logs kept at least five years
- Agencies running license plate readers would publish annual transparency reports, including vendor contracts; the Inspector General would appoint auditors for quarterly compliance audits
- Unauthorized access or use by an agency would be a misdemeanor (up to one year and a fine of up to $5,000); residents whose data is unlawfully accessed, retained or shared could sue for damages, an injunction and fees
- Would take effect upon approval by the Governor
Latest legislative action
Jan 13, 2026. Referred to Committee on Judiciary
Sponsors (showing 5 of 127)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Alexander | Primary |
| Allison | Primary |
| Anderson | Primary |
| Atkinson | Primary |
| B. Cox | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error