CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to collection of surveillance data; specifying conditions for a mandatory 60-day pause in data collection for Seattle Police Department Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) and Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems; and amending Ordinances 127044 and 127297.
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WHEREAS, the City is proud to be a welcoming City, affirming its steadfast commitment to serve as a safe and supportive home for refugees and immigrants; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that every individual possesses a fundamental right of privacy regarding their personal reproductive decisions, bodily autonomy, and gender affirming care; and
WHEREAS, state and local laws and policies prohibit City resources and personnel from being used to assist with or participate in activities that support or constitute civil immigration enforcement, unless otherwise required by law; and
WHEREAS, Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems collect time-stamped location data that can reveal sensitive patterns of movement, including an individual's attempt to acquire reproductive health services, gender affirming care, visits to workplaces, schools, religious institutions, medical facilities, and community organizations; and
WHEREAS, Washington lawmakers and Seattle City Councilmembers have expressed concern that ALPR and CCTV data is being used nationwide to support mass-deportation efforts and other civil immigration actions contrary to state and local policies and community-trust objectives; and
WHEREAS, since the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, there is an increased risk that ALPR location data will be used by out-of-state entities to investigate or prosecute individuals for seeking or providing lawful reproductive health care; and
WHEREAS, ALPR data collected by some Washington law enforcement agencies has been shared with fede...
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