Governor Mike Kehoe Signs Order Restricting License Plate Readers

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-18 on September 16, 2026, establishing statewide privacy safeguards for automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, including systems provided by Flock Safety. The order mandates that most vehicle records be purged within 30 days and prohibits vendors from selling or commercializing data generated within Missouri. Additionally, the order bans the integration of AI facial recognition with ALPR systems.

Access to this technology is now restricted to lifesaving operations and legitimate criminal justice purposes. The Missouri Department of Public Safety is tasked with implementing these rules for state agencies and state-funded local law enforcement, with new auditing measures to trigger disciplinary proceedings or criminal referrals for unauthorized use. Governor Kehoe described the order as a first step in creating safeguards against data abuse while maintaining vital public safety tools.

These restrictions serve as interim measures until the Missouri General Assembly develops a permanent statutory framework. The action follows resident pushback in cities such as Parkville and a broader investigation into Flock Safety launched by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, who argued that citizens do not surrender privacy rights during their daily commutes.