US lawmakers propose highway funding penalty over Flock camera use
The proposed No FLOCK Act would limit automated licence plate readers to specified public-safety uses and put 10 per cent of federal highway funding at risk for non-compliant states from October 2028.
Bipartisan US lawmakers Raja Krishnamoorthi and Michael Cloud plan to introduce legislation that would restrict Flock cameras and other automated licence plate readers, according to WIRED.
The No FLOCK Act would direct the US secretary of transportation to withhold 10 per cent of annual federal highway funding from states that fail to comply. If passed, the proposed penalties would begin in October 2028 and could cost affected states tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
The bill would allow the systems to be used for toll enforcement, identifying stolen vehicles or missing or endangered people, locating vehicles linked to people wanted on felony warrants, and investigating vehicles involved in felony offences. It would exclude uses such as traffic studies, minor drug investigations, parking enforcement and speeding enforcement.
The proposal would not ban Flock systems or prevent users from broadly sharing licence-plate tracking data with other government agencies, including immigration authorities. A separate bipartisan bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to purchase Flock cameras.
Supporters cite concerns about surveillance and alleged misuse of footage by police officers. WIRED reported that one report identified at least 100 alleged cases of abuse over eight years, including footage allegedly used to stalk former romantic partners. Around 25 US states and territories have laws governing automated licence plate readers, but few restrict their permitted uses.
The legislation’s prospects remain unclear. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Flock cameras, while his position on the proposed bill is not established in the source material.
