SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1290

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 19, 2026

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1290.

      As reported by the committee, this bill prohibits the sharing of automated license plate reader information in furtherance of an interstate investigation concerning reproductive health care services that are legal in New Jersey. 

     Under the bill, a person who operates, manages, or has access to information obtained by an automated license plate reader is prohibited from knowingly sharing, transferring, selling, or permitting access to automated license plate reader information in furtherance of any interstate investigation or proceeding seeking to impose civil or criminal liability on any person for the provision, receipt, or seeking of, or inquiring or responding to an inquiry about, reproductive health care services that are legal in this State. 

     In addition, the bill prohibits any law enforcement agency from sharing automated license plate reader information with any out-of-State law enforcement agency without first obtaining a written declaration from the out-of-State law enforcement agency that the information will not be used in furtherance of any interstate investigation or proceeding regarding reproductive health care services. 

     Under the bill, any person who operates, manages, or has access to information obtained by an automated license plate reader who knowingly shares license plate reader information in furtherance of an interstate investigation concerning reproductive health care services that are legal in this State is liable to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for a first offense and not more than $5,000 for a second or subsequent offense.

     The bill defines “reproductive health care services” as all medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system, including but not limited to services relating to pregnancy, contraception, or termination of a pregnancy.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.