Introduction

Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced sweeping legislation aimed at removing federal support for automatic license plate reader systems across the United States. The move comes amid growing public concern over privacy, surveillance, and the expanding reach of companies like Flock Safety.

What Happened

Sanders' Ban Flock Act would prohibit federal agencies from using ALPR technology or accessing data collected by local police and private vendors. The legislation covers all automatic license plate readers, not just one company, and includes narrow exceptions for toll collection and future congressional approval. It also mandates a 48-hour maximum data retention period for any retained information.

Why This Matters

If enacted, state and local governments would face cuts to key federal grants unless they ban the technology themselves. The bill also creates a private right of action, allowing Americans to sue over violations, while state attorneys general would have enforcement authority. With Flock Safety operating more than 120,000 cameras and processing billions of reads monthly, the legislation could significantly reshape the ALPR landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • The bill targets all ALPR systems, not a single vendor, though Flock is the largest U.S. provider with over 120,000 cameras.
  • Federal grant penalties would pressure states to prohibit the technology or lose funding from the Justice and Homeland Security departments.
  • Data retention would be capped at 48 hours, a sharp reduction from current practices.
  • Civil lawsuits and state AG enforcement mechanisms give the bill teeth beyond legislative debate.

Conclusion

The Ban Flock Act faces long odds in Congress, but it signals a shifting tide toward greater oversight of surveillance tools. Whether the legislation gains traction or not, the pressure on companies like Flock Safety and the agencies that rely on their systems is already intensifying.