Automatic License Plate Readers
I want to bring attention to SB 840- Public Safety - Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs)-Captured Plate Data, which is a bill that clarifies how automated license plate reader data can be used. ALPRs are utilized by some police cars, overpasses and streetlights, and are used to capture an image of vehicle license plates. The images are then stored in law enforcement databases operated by the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center. While ALPR systems are a helpful tool for law enforcement to track a missing vehicle or person, there are many privacy concerns. For instance, ALPR data can be used to track the locations of any vehicle or person. SB 840 provides clear definitions and restrictions for how ALPR data can be used.
The bill also establishes that ALPR data may not be sold for any purpose by a law enforcement agency or contracted vendor, ensuring that the data is kept confidential. Furthermore, SB 840 allows the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center to share data through an ALPR system that uses cloud storage with the Maryland State Police. If you would like to follow the status of SB 840, you may do so here: Legislation - SB0840 (maryland.gov)
Harford County Arts Grants
The Harford County Cultural Arts Advisory Board is now accepting applications for the Community Arts Development Grant program. This grant is available to nonprofits, units of government, colleges, and faith-based organizations producing or presenting the arts in Harford County. Interested parties can access the applications through “GrantSpace”. These grant guidelines and contact information for the Board can be found at www.CulturalArtsBoard.org under the “GRANTS” tab. The deadline to apply is April 30th, 2024. Since 2020, the Harford County Cultural Arts Board has invested more than $700,000 into our local arts scene.
Federal Student Aid
May 15th is the “State Priority Deadline” to submit a FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Submission by this date guarantees that money will be awarded for the upcoming school year if a student qualifies. The FAFSA form has undergone some recent changes, so I am including the US Department of Education’s “toolkit”, along with some videos to guide families during this process. Additionally, it is imperative to remember that Maryland students can benefit from both federal and state financial aid to attend a Maryland higher education institution. The application for my senatorial scholarship can be found here: https://www.mdjamesforsenate.com/scholarship
FAFSA Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmEP38x-1Z8
FAFSA Boot Camp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fao1ZwhN_no
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact my office 410-841-3158 or marydulany.james@senate.state.md.us.
Sincerely,
Mary-Dulany James
Senator
Harford County
Maryland General Assembly