HF 2161: Relating to the use of automatic registration plate readers, and providing penalties

What it does

Under current law, the operator of an automatic registration plate reader (plate reader) is required to permanently delete every image of a vehicle registration plate captured by the plate reader, and any other accompanying data, within days after the image was captured. Prior to deletion from the plate reader, a law enforcement agency is authorized to copy and store an image of a vehicle registration plate captured by a plate reader, and any other accompanying data, if the image and data are relevant to an ongoing criminal case or investigation.

House subcommittee · named January 28, 2026

• Rep. Megan Jones (R) · megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. J.D. Scholten (D) · j.d.scholten@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. David E. Young (R) · david.young@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 5 for, 6 against

For: American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa (ACLU-IA); Americans For Prosperity; Institute for Justice; Iowa Association for Justice; Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values

Against: Axon Enterprise,Inc; Iowa Peace Officers Association; Iowa State Police Association; Iowa State Sheriffs' & Deputies' Association; Motorola Solutions, Inc.; Security Industry Association

In plain words

1. January 26, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Transportation committee
2. January 28, 2026House subcommittee named: Jones, Scholten and Young
3. February 16, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 17, 2026Committee vote: 20–0