A bipartisan bill known as the 'No FLOCK Act' aims to withhold federal highway funding from states that do not restrict the use of automated license plate readers to specific legal use cases.

  • The 'No FLOCK Act' proposes a 10% cut in federal highway funds for non-compliant states.
  • Camera usage would be restricted to only five specific legal scenarios.
  • The bill targets abuses where law enforcement uses surveillance for non-criminal or personal reasons.

In a significant bipartisan move, US lawmakers are seeking to rein in the proliferation of automated surveillance technology. Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Michael Cloud (R-TX) have introduced the 'No FLOCK Act', designed to curb the misuse of Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers (ALPRs). The legislation uses a powerful financial lever: withholding federal transportation funds from states that fail to implement strict usage restrictions.

Under the proposed bill, the US Secretary of Transportation would be directed to withhold 10 percent of a state's annual financial support for highways, roads, and bridges if they do not limit camera usage to five specific categories. These include identifying stolen vehicles, locating missing or endangered persons, enforcing toll systems, and investigating felony-related offenses. Uses such as traffic studies, minor drug offenses, or parking enforcement would be strictly prohibited.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this legislation addresses a growing crisis of trust between law enforcement and the public. While these cameras are vital for public safety, reports have surfaced of officers using the technology for nefarious purposes, including stalking former romantic partners. By tying federal funding to compliance, Congress is employing a tactic previously used to establish national drinking ages and highway billboard regulations.

Taxpayers shouldn't be forced to fund the shredding of their own civil liberties or the growth of a surveillance state.

Despite the bill's intent, critics argue it stops short of a total ban on Flock systems—a primary demand from privacy advocates. Furthermore, the bill does not prevent the sharing of captured data with other agencies, such as immigration authorities. If enacted, states failing to comply could face losses ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually starting in October 2028.

Historical Background

The use of federal funding as a tool for state compliance is a well-established precedent in US history. This 'carrot and stick' approach was instrumental in standardizing driving under the influence (DUI) regulations and implementing national safety standards across various states.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the five permitted uses for Flock cameras under this bill?
The permitted uses are toll enforcement, identifying stolen vehicles, finding missing/endangered persons, vehicles tied to felony warrants, and felony crime investigations.

2. How much money could states lose?
States could lose 10% of their annual federal surface transportation funds, which can amount to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Did You Know?: While about 25 states have some laws regarding license plate readers, very few actually limit the specific types of crimes they can be used for.