License Plate Reader Ban, Data Center Moratorium Proposals Move Forward In Will County

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Will County Board Member Destinee Ortiz shared that her proposals for a ban on automated license plate reader systems and a moratorium on data center development will be on the Nov. 12 executive committee agenda.

A letter from County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne indicates that both proposals will be considered for assignment to a committee.

Ortiz's proposal on the license plate readers would prohibit the systems, including Flock cameras, on county property and county highways, according to a news release. Existing county authorizations would be rescinded.

Her data center proposal seeks to begin the process of establishing a temporary moratorium, giving the county time to evaluate potential impacts and consider protections before further development proceeds.

“Residents have been speaking up about surveillance, privacy, and how major development could affect their communities,” Ortiz said in a release. “Getting both proposals on the agenda is an important step toward bringing those concerns before the full County Board.”

Neither proposal has been adopted. The proposals will still need to be advanced through the county's legislative process.

“When we work together, organize, and publicly pressure our elected officials, we can get things moving,” Ortiz said. “Everyone who has called, written, shared information, or encouraged a neighbor to get involved should celebrate this step.”