Rep. Thomas Massie introduces bill to defund surveillance cameras

Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) has introduced the ‘Flock-Off Act’ (H.R. 10221), a bill designed to restrict federal funding for automated license plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras used by local governments and police departments.

The legislation would prohibit federal money from being used to purchase, install, maintain, or upgrade these systems, including technology provided by companies like Flock Safety. It also covers contracts, subscriptions, and data-sharing agreements. The bill directs that any cameras installed via federal funds be removed and may require localities to repay the Treasury if they used prohibited funds.

Massie stated that taxpayers should not be forced to fund a ‘surveillance state.’ The bill includes specific exceptions for cameras used within one mile of the northern and southern borders to detect human trafficking, drug smuggling, and unlawful entry, as well as cameras used strictly for toll collection.

The proposal follows actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to restrict or pull funding for Flock camera systems. While privacy advocates express concern over the ability of these networks to track vehicle movements across jurisdictions, Flock Safety has argued that broad restrictions could harm public safety and suggested that Congress focus on oversight rather than bans.