Krishnamoorthi and Cloud Introduce Bipartisan No FLOCK Act to Crack Down on Abuse of License Plate Readers

WASHINGTON —Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) have introduced the bipartisan No FLOCK Act (No Federal License-Plate Observation and Camera Keeping Act), legislation to crack down on abuses of automated license plate reader systems, including Flock Safety, following reports of law enforcement officers using the technology to stalk former partners and others for personal reasons.

“Automated license plate readers can be powerful tools for law enforcement to investigate serious crimes and protect our communities, but they must not become tools for officers to stalk ex-partners or spy on people for personal reasons,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi (IL-08). “Our investigation into Flock exposed serious gaps in oversight, and this bipartisan bill would put clear limits in place to prevent abuse while preserving legitimate public safety uses.”

“Taxpayers shouldn't be forced to fund the shredding of their own civil liberties or the growth of a surveillance state. Flock cameras are enabling mass surveillance of Americans, infringing on the Fourth Amendment. This bill is a first step toward reining in unchecked surveillance. We can protect public safety without sacrificing the privacy of Americans,” said Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27).

Under the legislation, states would be required to enact laws limiting automated license plate readers to specific public safety and toll-enforcement purposes. After a two-fiscal-year implementation period, states that fail to have those restrictions in effect would have 10 percent of the federal surface transportation funding apportioned to them under Section 104(b) of Title 23 withheld each fiscal year.

Permitted uses would include:

• enforcing toll systems;
• identifying stolen vehicles;
• locating missing or endangered people;
• identifying vehicles registered to individuals with warrants for felony offenses; and
• investigating vehicles involved in felony offenses.

A recent Washington Postinvestigation found at least 69 police officials who had been accused, charged with, or convicted of abusing Flock or other license plate reader systems, including to track wives, girlfriends, former romantic partners, and acquaintances.