What Does Oregon Senate Bill 1516 Mean for ALPR Use in Oregon?

What Is SB 1516 in Oregon?

Oregon Senate Bill 1516 is a new statewide law that sets rules for how Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) data can be collected, accessed, shared, and retained.

On March 31, 2026, Governor Tina Kotek signed SB 1516 following its passage in the 2026 legislative session. The bill reflects input from law enforcement leaders, technology vendors, and public safety advocates across the state.

This legislation establishes Oregon’s first comprehensive ALPR framework, setting rules for ALPR use while preserving its ability to help solve crime and locate missing persons.

What Does SB 1516 Mean for Oregon Law Enforcement?

Under SB 1516, Oregon law enforcement agencies may continue using ALPR technology for lawful investigations, subject to specific guardrails.

Under the new Oregon ALPR law, agencies:

• May use ALPR to investigate crimes and locate missing or endangered persons.
  
  
• May use ALPR for certain minor offenses, excluding traffic violations.
  
  
• May share data with other Oregon law enforcement agencies for permitted purposes.
  
  
• Must limit data retention to 30 days, unless an exception applies.
  
  
• Must establish and publish ALPR policies and procedures.
  
  
• Must publish frequent audit results, with appropriate redactions.
  
  
• Are prohibited from using ALPR for immigration enforcement.
  
  
• Are prohibited from using ALPR to monitor protected political or religious activity.
  

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What Restrictions Does SB 1516 Place on Oregon ALPR Data?

SSB 1516 introduces specific privacy protections governing how ALPR data is stored, accessed, and monitored in Oregon.

ALPR systems capture license plate images and vehicle details to support law enforcement investigations and to find missing people.

The Oregon ALPR law:

• Limits data retention to 30 days.
• Allows longer retention for court proceedings or ongoing investigations.
• Exempts ALPR plate data from public records disclosure.
• Establishes that ALPR data must be owned by the agency and not the vendor
• Requires end-to-end encryption for ALPR data‍
• Prohibits ALPR vendors from accessing, disclosing, selling, sharing, or using ALPR data captured on behalf of law enforcement agencies except to provide technical support and with the express consent of the agency.
  

How Does SB 1516 Impact Data Sharing in Oregon?

SB 1516 establishes standards for how ALPR data may be shared.

In-State Sharing

Agencies may share ALPR data with other Oregon law enforcement agencies. Sharing must align with permitted uses under the law.

Out-of-State Sharing

Agencies may provide ALPR data to out-of-state agencies for a purpose permitted by the law. However, agencies cannot provide unrestricted or ongoing access, and must log certain information about each search.

How Is Flock Safety Supporting Compliance with SB 1516?

Flock Safety has implemented platform tools to align with SB 1516.

Audit & Reporting Support

Flock provides tools and guidance to support required monthly and quarterly audits.

• Agencies can access required audit data within the platform
• Flock will provide guidance on how to access audit information and prepare to publish audit results
• An enhanced audit experience is in development
  

Policy Guidance

Flock supports agencies in adopting ALPR policies, by sharing best practices and examples.

Contract Updates

SB 1516 requires specific terms to be added to contracts between ALPR vendors and law enforcement agencies.

• These changes must be made for new contracts as well as renewals and extensions
• Flock will work with agencies to update contracts during renewals or extensions
• New contracts with Oregon agencies will include the required terms

Training & Education

Flock provides training and direct support to agencies.

• Compliance webinar and training resources available
• Ongoing support from Legal, Policy, Product, and Engineering teams

Does SB 1516 Impact Flock ALPR Data Retention in Oregon?

The Oregon ALPR law limits ALPR data retention to a maximum of 30 days. However, Flock’s default data retention period is already 30 days.

• Default retention: 30 days
• Configurable: May be reduced below 30 days
• Customer-controlled: Agencies operate within state guardrails
  

When Does SB 1516 Take Effect?

SB 1516 took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature on March 31, 2026. 

However, agencies that entered into a contract for ALPR prior to March 31, 2026 may use the system in accordance with the existing terms for the duration of the contract. 

Regardless of contract dates, Section 4 of the Act, which establishes authorized uses, applies to all agencies using ALPR beginning on the effective date. 

After March 31, 2026, agencies may not extend, renew, or enter into a new contract with an ALPR vendor unless the agency and the contract is in compliance with the Act. 

The Act introduces permitted and prohibited uses of ALPR and requirements for audits, policies, and reporting.

Flock Safety provides tools and guidance to support agencies through implementation.

What Are the Current ALPR Laws in Oregon?

Oregon now has a defined statewide framework governing ALPR use under SB 1516.

The Oregon ALPR law:

• Establishes permitted and prohibited uses for law enforcement
  
• Imposes a data retention limit
• Requires audits and public reporting

Frequently Asked Questions About ALPR Laws in Washington

Is ALPR legal in Oregon?

Yes. ALPR is legal in Oregon under SB 1516, subject to specific guardrails.

How long can ALPR data be stored in Oregon?

ALPR data may be retained for a maximum of 30 days, unless tied to a court proceeding or ongoing investigation.

Can ALPR data be shared between agencies in Oregon?

Yes. Agencies may share ALPR data with other Oregon law enforcement agencies for permitted purposes.

Can ALPR data be shared outside Oregon?

Yes, but agencies cannot provide unrestricted or ongoing access, and must log certain information about each search. 

Does SB 1516 ban ALPR technology?

No. The law regulates ALPR use, but does not ban the technology.

Looking Ahead

Flock Safety remains committed to responsible ALPR regulation and continued collaboration with policymakers and law enforcement agencies across Oregon and the country.

As SB 1516 takes effect, our priority is to help agencies adjust to the new law while continuing to protect their communities.