Lawmakers Want States to Crack Down on Flock Cameras—or Pay the Price
A new bipartisan effort in Congress to rein in automated license plate readers takes a page from the national drinking age: Comply, or risk losing federal highway funding.
The No FLOCK Act, a bipartisan bill, aims to compel states to prohibit the use of Flock cameras and similar devices, except in five limited circumstances, or face a 10 percent reduction in annual federal highway funding. Co-sponsored by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, and Michael Cloud, a Republican, the legislation defines acceptable uses of Flock cameras as enforcing toll systems, identifying stolen vehicles, locating missing or endangered persons, and investigating felony offenses.
However, it does not prevent data sharing with government agencies or ban the cameras outright. The bill's backers argue it establishes clear limits to prevent abuse while maintaining legitimate public safety uses. Flock, the company behind the cameras, declined to comment on the proposed bill. If adopted, states would lose tens to hundreds of millions of dollars in annual transportation funding starting in October 2028.
The Department of Transportation determines the funding amount based on factors like roadways and traffic volume. Recent bills propose outright bans on federal funding for Flock cameras, but progress in Congress remains uncertain amid the upcoming US midterm elections. President Trump has backed Flock cameras, but lawmakers express frustration over police officers misusing the footage for personal reasons.
About 25 states have laws regulating automated license plate readers, but few limit their uses. The bill is seen as a crucial step towards curbing unchecked surveillance, preserving privacy, and ensuring public safety.
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