Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban Federal Use of Flock Safety License Plate Readers
Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and Jeff Merkley have introduced the Ban Flock Act, a bill to prohibit the federal government from using Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras and to cut off federal funding for state and local…
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, October 2, 2026 —
A new legislative effort aims to restrict the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology by federal authorities and to influence state and local adoption. The bill, formally known as the Ban Flock Act, was introduced by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and Jeff Merkley.
The proposed legislation seeks to implement a two-pronged approach. Firstly, it would prohibit the federal government from utilizing ALPR cameras manufactured by Flock Safety. Secondly, it intends to cut off federal funding to state and local governments that continue to employ this specific technology.
Proponents of the Ban Flock Act have cited significant concerns regarding individual privacy and the potential for misuse of ALPR data. These concerns are central to the motivation behind the bill, aiming to safeguard citizens from what they describe as invasive surveillance capabilities.
The summary provided does not specify further details regarding the timelines for the bill’s progression, potential co-sponsors beyond the named representatives, or specific examples of misuse that have been documented. Flock Safety is a company that provides ALPR cameras, a technology capable of capturing images of vehicle license plates and recording their location and time.
The introduction of this bill highlights an ongoing debate surrounding the balance between public safety initiatives, which often leverage surveillance technology, and the protection of civil liberties and personal privacy.
Story summarized from the original created by Rena Rowe on gazette.com, see more information here.
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