An Arkansas House panel has approved legislation to regulate the use of devices that photograph license plates.
The House Judiciary Committee on Friday voted to pass a bill that would restrict who can use license plate readers and limit how long data captured by license plate readers could be kept.
The Associated Press reported last month that Little Rock police have a license plate reader, but don't have a policy for how long the department keeps the data.
The device enables police to keep an archive of license plate photos that show where motorists were at certain times.
Authorities say the devices help identify stolen cars and drivers with outstanding warrants, but civil liberties advocates have raised privacy concerns.
The bill now moves to the full House for a vote.