On October 2, 2026, new bicameral legislation, named the "Ban Flock Act," was unveiled, aiming to prohibit federal agencies from using automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) or data collected by them. VitalLaw.com reported on this development.
The proposed legislation, H.R.10691, would extend this ban to federal officials and anyone acting on behalf of the federal government, preventing them from acquiring or using ALPRs or any "captured plate data, including information collected in any database, derived from an automatic license plate reader operated by another entity." States that do not enact similar bans could face a loss of federal funding.
What does this mean for federal agencies and ALPRs?
If passed, the Ban Flock Act would significantly restrict how federal entities interact with ALPR technology. Here are the key provisions:
- Prohibition on Use: Federal agencies, officials, and those acting on their behalf would be barred from using ALPRs.
- Data Restrictions: They would also be prohibited from using any data collected by ALPRs, even if the cameras are operated by other entities.
- State Funding Impact: States that do not implement similar bans could lose federal funding.
- Toll Collection Exception: The legislation would allow ALPRs for highway toll collection.
- Future Authorization: Congress could, through additional legislation, authorize federal agencies to use ALPRs with specific data privacy safeguards, such as deleting images after 48 hours.
- Right to Sue: Individuals and state attorneys general would be able to sue federal agencies for violations.
The bill was introduced in the House by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.). Senators Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) and Jeff Merkley (D., Ore.) are expected to introduce a Senate version.
Why is this legislation being proposed now?
Concerns about ALPR surveillance have been growing, leading to bipartisan discussions in Congress. Representative Ocasio-Cortez stated in a news release that "Big Tech companies like Flock Safety have built a mass surveillance system to harvest Americans’ private and personal data without their consent." Senator Sanders echoed these concerns, saying, "Flock is eviscerating the very notion of privacy by installing tens of thousands of cameras in communities across America without their consent."
This proposed legislation reflects a broader push for greater privacy and limitations on surveillance technologies. Drivers should be aware of where ALPRs are present and how their data might be used. You can explore existing ALPR locations on our interactive map.
The bill specifically mentions Flock Safety, a leading ALPR vendor, in its naming. This indicates a direct focus on the widespread deployment and data collection practices associated with such companies.
This legislative effort follows recent investigations into the ALPR industry. Senator Josh Hawley (R., Mo.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s crime and counterterrorism subcommittee, held a hearing on the issue in September 2026.
As of October 2, 2026, the Ban Flock Act has been introduced in the House. Its progress through Congress will determine whether federal agencies will face these new restrictions.