1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

Subject: Strengthen and Advance Ohio SB 469 — Surveillance Privacy Protections Dear Legislator, I am writing as an Ohio resident to express qualified support for Senate Bill 469, which would establish important statewide protections against misuse of automated license plate recognition systems and other mass surveillance technologies. I particularly support the bill’s ten-day data-retention limit, warrant requirement for government-to-government data sharing, monthly audits, public reporting, and meaningful enforcement provisions. However, I urge you to strengthen the legislation before passage. First, please address the potential loophole involving privately operated surveillance networks. The bill should prevent law enforcement from circumventing warrant requirements by obtaining surveillance information through private vendors or third-party databases. Second, please expand protections for sensitive locations and constitutionally protected activities, including reproductive healthcare, immigration services, LGBTQ+ community spaces, and lawful political participation. I also encourage independent auditing to ensure that privacy safeguards are enforced in practice. Ohio can support legitimate public safety needs without creating an infrastructure for unrestricted monitoring of residents’ movements and associations. Please preserve the bill’s strongest protections, adopt these targeted amendments, and advance meaningful statewide surveillance safeguards. Thank you for your consideration.