Congressional proposals target plate-reader funding and data practices

Congressional proposals would introduce federal restrictions on plate-reader funding and surveillance data practices. The measures extend a dispute that has already prompted more than 50 cities and counties to reportedly end Flock relationships.

If enacted, the proposals would change how local agencies fund camera networks, authorize searches and retain or share driver data. The operational question is not just whether to install cameras, but how to govern access to the records they generate.

Opposition to Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader network has reached Congress through two proposals targeting different parts of surveillance operations. Sen. Josh Hawley’s Stop Flock Abuse Act would prohibit facial recognition and local governments’ sharing or selling data to nongovernmental third parties. It would also require written search approvals, audit logs and deletion of driver data after 10 days, with narrow exceptions. Rep. Thomas Massie’s Flock-Off Act would prohibit federal funding for installing and operating automated plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras. Neither proposal is described as enacted. For local governments, the potential changes concern both surveillance procurement and ongoing management of searches, retention and data access. More than 50 cities and counties reportedly ended Flock relationships, while the company says it serves over 7,000 law enforcement agencies. Flock supported federal privacy rules in correspondence, provided they preserve crime-solving capabilities.

Evidence supplied by Smart Cities Dive.