Senator Payne Introduces Bill to Ensure Crime-Fighting Tools Don't Become Government Surveillance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senator Kevin Payne, Chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee, is spearheading legislation to ensure Arizona communities can use license plate reader technology to fight crime while protecting citizens from unchecked government surveillance.
Introduced by Senator Payne, SB 1111 establishes clear, statewide standards for the use of automated license plate reader systems, commonly known as Flock cameras. These tools are increasingly used by law enforcement to locate missing persons, track stolen vehicles, and solve serious crimes. Currently, Arizona lacks uniform rules governing how data is collected, accessed, stored, and audited.
"This bill draws a clear line. We're protecting innocent Arizonans from government overreach while making sure our law enforcement officers have the modern tools they need to keep our communities safe," said Senator Payne. "Arizonans shouldn't have to choose between their privacy and their security. This bill proves we can do both — defend individual freedom and back the men and women who put their lives on the line every day."
Under SB 1111, license plate reader data may only be used for legitimate law enforcement purposes such as criminal investigations or locating missing or endangered individuals. The bill prohibits the use of the data for general surveillance, political activity, or non-law enforcement purposes. It also requires strict access controls, mandatory training, detailed audit logs, and regular reviews to ensure compliance and accountability.
The legislation addresses growing concerns from citizens across Arizona about how surveillance technology is being deployed without clear safeguards. Some local governments, including Sedona, have already begun grappling with how to balance public safety benefits with privacy protections. This bill creates a consistent framework so that residents receive the same protections no matter where they live.
"The Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police (AACOP) remains steadfast in our commitment to utilizing innovative technology to safeguard our communities. Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) have proven to be an indispensable investigative asset, directly resulting in the resolution of thousands of serious crimes—including homicides and kidnappings—and serving as a critical tool in locating missing and endangered individuals," said Kara Riley, Oro Valley Police Chief and President of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police. "While we recognize the immense utility of this technology, we are equally mindful of the importance of protecting individual privacy. For this reason, AACOP extends its sincere gratitude to Senator Payne for introducing legislation that establishes clear, uniform guidelines for the use of ALPRs across the state. It is our firm belief that the framework presented by Senator Payne enhances institutional transparency and provides the necessary parameters to ensure these devices are used with the highest degree of fairness and integrity. By codifying these standards into law, we are ensuring that ALPRs remain focused on their primary mission: protecting life and property while upholding the trust of the communities we serve."
"SB 1111 provides the tools law enforcement needs to keep our communities safe while putting firm protections in place against government overreach and privacy assurance to that same community," said Joe Clure, Executive Director of the Arizona Police Association. "Cameras used to detect and apprehend suspects are invaluable in maintaining public safety and preventing criminal and terrorist activity. They also aid in the investigation and solving of crimes long after they were committed. We thank Senator Payne for his commitment to law enforcement and the constituents he serves."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov