License plate surveillance limits proposed at state level
Data-sharing restrictions and warrant requirements are the main points of the bill
Law enforcement could face new statewide restrictions on the use of license plate-reading surveillance cameras under a bill currently being considered by lawmakers.
The proposal would limit officials’ ability to share information from surveillance camera systems with other jurisdictions and would require a warrant to access information more than 72 hours after a crime has occurred.
License plate-reading cameras have caused significant controversy in cities across Colorado. Denver scrapped its contract with a major surveillance camera company called Flock earlier this year amid concerns the camera data might be shared with federal law enforcement, including immigration authorities. The city has signed a new contract with a competitor called Axon, which officials claim has more privacy safeguards.
Boulder is also considering alternatives to its Flock system, and Durango is looking at restricting local law enforcement’s use of the cameras.
While license plate-reading cameras have unquestionably helped solve serious crimes in Colorado, critics say a lack of proper guardrails around their use can open the door to invasive and abusive applications of the technology.
Need to Know
🚕 Ride-hailing drivers who wanted more control over their earnings and working conditions created the Drivers Cooperative - Colorado as an alternative to big companies like Uber and Lyft. The worker-owned platform still doesn’t have a big base of drivers or riders, so it can be hard to find a timely ride and drivers still have to rely on other work to supplement what they earn from the cooperative. But the drivers say its reach is growing. (Denverite)
🔌 The electric power giant Xcel Energy wants customers to pay $100 million to cover costs associated with meeting increased demand for energy during the summer. A coal powered plant that is Xcel’s largest source of electricity is still offline, meaning the company might have to buy power from other sources to meet demand. The proposal, along with other rate increases for electricity and gas, would need the approval of a public oversight body. (Denver Post)
💦 Cities looking to manage their water supplies during persistently dry conditions might need more than outdoor watering restrictions. Experts say encouraging residents to use less water can help, but for very dry cities like Denver and others across Colorado, additional measures like water reuse plans and limits on industrial water use might be needed. (The Conversation)
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Something Good
🌎 Today is Earth Day, a commemoration and call to action for efforts to protect our environment. There are a ton of related events across Colorado today and the rest of the week. I’ll be joining a litter pickup at Lakewood Park on Sunday from 2 to 4 with my neighborhood’s local sustainability group. Look up an event near you – it’s a great way to connect with your community.