New Bill to Ban Federal Use of Automatic License Plate Readers Introduced

On October 2, 2026, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) announced the introduction of the Ban Flock Act, a pivotal legislative effort aiming to prohibit federal agencies from using automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). This proposed legislation not only halts the use of ALPRs but also establishes strict limitations on federal grants to state and local governments that maintain contracts with vendors of such technology. In an age marked by escalating privacy concerns, the introduction of this bill is notable, particularly as it offers a mechanism for Americans to legally challenge the federal government's use of ALPR systems, significantly altering the procurement landscape within the public safety domain.

The Ban Flock Act frames a significant stance against surveillance technology and the extensive reach of companies like Flock Safety, which dominates the ALPR market with over 120,000 cameras deployed nationwide, generating around 20 billion vehicle scans monthly. The technology has come under fire not just for its corporate implications but also for how it intertwines with governmental surveillance, threatening civil liberties by allowing personal data tracking without consent. Senators Sanders and Merkley have raised alarms about the invasive capabilities of such technology, emphasizing the potential for it to transform communities into surveillance states where privacy is compromised.

The implications of this legislative proposal extend far beyond immediate compliance requirements for federal agencies. Should the Ban Flock Act become law, state and local governments that currently employ ALPRs will face financial repercussions, including significant reductions in grants from various federal departments, such as the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security. This legislative effort carries the potential to reshape the local law enforcement landscape, as municipalities may find themselves needing to reassess their technology investments in response to the proposed restrictions. As such, this serves as a crucial moment for contractors and local governments involved in current or planned ALPR systems.

Furthermore, there is a growing tension between the need for public safety and the imperative to maintain personal privacy. Proponents of the Ban Flock Act argue that while technologies such as ALPRs can enhance law enforcement's ability to track criminal activity, the risks associated with widespread surveillance far outweigh the benefits. Dan Haley, Chief Legal Officer of Flock, remarked, “Americans’ privacy should not depend on one vendor’s good judgment, its current leadership or its commercial incentives.” This sentiment underscores a broader national dialogue about the ethical considerations surrounding the integration of artificial intelligence and surveillance technologies into everyday life. As scrutiny intensifies on the use of ALPRs and similar technologies, other legislators are introducing counter-bills, including The Flock-Off Act from Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), indicating a bipartisan recognition of the need to address the implications of surveillance technology.

The legislative process remains unpredictable, and while the Ban Flock Act is not yet law, it sets a significant precedent for the future of surveillance technology in governmental operations. Lawmakers and contractors must stay vigilant as the bill progresses through Congress, potentially paving the way for further regulatory scrutiny of surveillance technologies in the public sector.

As the implications of the Ban Flock Act take shape, stakeholders across the spectrum, from technology vendors to local agencies employing ALPRs, must navigate an evolving landscape that increasingly prioritizes individual privacy rights while assessing the impact on public safety measures derived from current surveillance capabilities. Should the ban be enacted, the ramifications will undoubtedly echo through the corridors of public procurement and financial incentives designed to affect law enforcement technology adoption.

• Senators Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley co-authored the Ban Flock Act with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
• The bill aims to end federal usage of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and restrict federal grants.
• Flock Safety has over 120,000 cameras nationwide, scanning approximately 20 billion vehicle reads monthly.
• Enforcement mechanisms in the bill include allowing individuals to sue the government for ALPR use violations.
• If enacted, as early as the next fiscal year, state and local governments could lose federal funding if they do not comply.
• The bill acknowledges exceptions for toll collection and future congressional-approved uses with limits on data retention.
• The introduction of the bill signals a growing trend towards addressing privacy concerns related to technological advances in surveillance.
• Lawmakers emphasize that the bill is essential to protect civil liberties and curb potential surveillance overreach.