WY HB0181: Biometric data and license plate readers-regulation.

In one paragraph

Wyoming's HB 0181 (2026) would have barred governmental entities from using biometric data to identify or verify people, geolocation data to locate people or vehicles, and automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems to identify vehicles, with narrow law enforcement exceptions (mostly warrant-based), a seven-day retention limit for data not tied to an investigation, and a civil action for damages or injunctive relief. Received for introduction February 11, 2026; the House did not consider it for introduction on February 13, 2026, so it died.

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

What it means for business

None: the bill died and never became law. It would have restricted government agencies and their vendors, not private businesses, including a ban on contracting with vendors for such data uses.

Key provisions

1. 1Governmental entities could not use biometric data to identify or verify a person, geolocation data to locate a person or vehicle, or ALPR to identify vehicles, nor hire vendors to do so
2. 2ALPR could not be installed on public buildings or public roads and highways or used to collect tolls, road usage charges or similar fees
3. 3Law enforcement could use biometric and geolocation data only to investigate violent felonies, locate missing or endangered persons, or identify deceased persons, generally with a warrant; results could not be the sole basis for probable cause
4. 4ALPR use limited to purposes such as stolen vehicles, wanted or missing persons and active investigations, generally with a warrant; exceptions for DOT and law enforcement at ports of entry and weigh stations and for parking enforcement and secured-area access
5. 5Entities would have to adopt written policies including a seven-day maximum retention period for data not tied to an active investigation
6. 6Aggrieved persons could sue for damages, injunctive relief or both; data accessed in violation would generally be inadmissible; amends the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act
7. 7Would have taken effect July 1, 2026; the House did not consider it for introduction on February 13, 2026

Latest legislative action

Feb 13, 2026. H Did not Consider for Introduction

Sponsors (showing 5 of 32)

Roll call votes (showing 3 of 4)