By Josie Wales

A Rhode Island House committee voted to move forward with expanding the surveillance in the state on Tuesday when it approved H5531, otherwise known as the “Rhode Island Electronic Confirmation and Compliance System Act.” The new legislation, which passed the House Corporations Committee by a vote of seven to two, allows for the statewide use of automated license plate readers (APLR’s) to fine uninsured motorists.

Revenue generated by the dragnet will be split evenly between the state and private camera company and would generate around $15 million annually.

Rep. Robert Jacquard, the bill’s sponsor, says the surveillance system will operate mostly on major highways, targeting uninsured motorists from out of state. Jacquard claims to have addressed the concerns of the bill’s critics by limiting the cost of citation fines to $120, prohibiting cameras from being installed on moving objects, and preventing the system from being used to collect tolls.

Many remain opposed to the measure, however, due to privacy and efficacy concerns. According to the language of the bill: