Trenton, NJ – A heated debate erupted inside the New Jersey Statehouse this week after lawmakers sparred over a controversial proposal, Bill A2594, that would tighten regulations on how law enforcement agencies use and share automated license plate reader data.
Critics, including Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, claim the measure could inadvertently tip off undocumented immigrants under federal investigation.
The measure, sponsored by Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales (D–Essex), seeks to establish stricter auditing, reporting, and retention requirements for all police departments operating license plate readers.
It also criminalizes unauthorized use of that data, making it a disorderly persons offense. Proponents say it’s about privacy and oversight. Opponents, however, argue it could undermine cooperation with federal law enforcement.
During a tense committee hearing, Kanitra pressed witnesses on whether the bill’s language would require the state to notify individuals if their license plate data were accessed by federal authorities — a move he warned could compromise ongoing investigations.
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“If someone under federal investigation gets notified, that could destroy trafficking, murder, or RICO cases,” Kanitra said.
Committee members pushed back, saying his interpretation was inaccurate.
“The bill specifically applies to cases involving immigration status only — not criminal investigations,” the chairman clarified, emphasizing that the measure was narrowly written to prevent state or local law enforcement from detaining people solely for their immigration status.
Lawmakers clash over immigration language and intent
The hearing quickly devolved into a partisan back-and-forth, with Kanitra and several Democratic lawmakers exchanging sharp words over terminology like “illegal alien” versus “undocumented immigrant.”
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The argument grew so intense that the chairman cut off Kanitra’s microphone, prompting him to later accuse Democratic leaders of silencing dissent.
In a social media post following the hearing, Kanitra blasted the session as “a disastrous illegal immigration hearing,” alleging Democrats were “protecting non-profits that shield illegal immigrants” and “endangering law enforcement.”
He claimed the state’s growing undocumented population could impact representation and taxes, adding, “They don’t want you to know how these bills prioritize criminals over hard-working legal residents.”
Key provisions of Bill A2594:
• Requires annual audits of police use of license plate data by prosecutors or the Attorney General.
• Mandates public reporting on how often data is accessed, including federal requests.
• Limits data retention to two years, with earlier deletion allowed for cost or necessity.
Transparency versus federal cooperation
Supporters of the bill say it balances privacy with accountability, citing concerns that local databases lack uniform regulation and could be misused. Opponents warn it risks creating barriers between state and federal agencies pursuing criminal cases involving immigration or trafficking.
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The bill is still in committee and could face amendments before reaching a floor vote later this session. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the measure as privacy advocates and law enforcement unions continue to lobby on both sides of the issue.
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