U.S. legislative efforts to limit surveillance technology

Efforts to restrict the use of automated license plate readers and surveillance technology have gained momentum in the U.S. Congress.

In August 2026, Representative Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) announced intentions to pursue legislation to limit the use of Flock Safety license plate readers following a personal encounter with law enforcement triggered by the technology.

By September 2026, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced the ‘Flock-Off Act’ (H.R. 10221). This bill seeks to prohibit federal funding for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of automated license plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras used by local governments. The legislation includes provisions for the removal of existing cameras installed with federal funds and requires repayment to the Treasury in certain cases. While the bill excludes cameras used for toll collection or border security related to human trafficking and smuggling, it has drawn criticism from Flock Safety, which argues that such restrictions could harm public safety.