If it moves, regulate it… Democrats and civil libertarians are gearing up to restrict the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) by law enforcement. A bill submitted by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, would restrict police use of the readers to specific instances such as missing person cases, outstanding warrants, human trafficking or stolen vehicles, reports The Virginia Mercury. Law enforcement authorities say ALPRs also can help locate track down wanted individuals and produce evidence for use in courts. Dems raise privacy concerns and, of course, the potential for “disparate impacts on minority communities.” For such a simple device, ALPRs raise a lot of questions: What data is collected, how long is it retained, does it require a search warrant to access, and who gets to say where the devices are placed on public rights of way?

If it flies, regulate it… Meanwhile, spooked by an incident in which a 25-year-old Chinese national flying a drone over Newport News Shipyard, Sen. Mamie E. Locke, D-Hampton, has submitted a bill that makes it a felony to knowingly fly a drone over defense contractors’ sites, reports The Virginian-Pilot. The FBI charged the Chinese student with four misdemeanors. Locke’s bill would impose more prison time. There is a gap between punishments allowed under current law and what’s needed to establish an “enhanced deterrent,” Locke opines. The ability to see the connection between punishment and deterrence is a refreshing perspective for Locke, a “progressive” critic of traditional law-enforcement theories.

If it pulsates, regulate it… The wave of technology sweeping the nation offers endless opportunities for legislators to substitute their own judgment for those of citizens and businesspersons. Take, for example, Delegate Bonita Anthony, who has submitted a bill prohibiting landlords from using pricing algorithms to assist in rate setting. The bill would grant tenants an opportunity to file a written complaint with the Office of the Algorithmic Rent Pricing Ombudsman. You can’t make that up! Heaven forbid that landlords would automate their research into what’s occurring in the rental marketplace. Far better to have imperfect pricing based on ignorance of supply and demand!