Representative Greg Steube Introduces Bill Restricting License Plate Readers

U.S. Representative Greg Steube introduced the Facilitating Liberty and Accountability for Flock Observations (Flafo) Act on September 25. The legislation prohibits federal agencies from purchasing, operating, or sharing data from Flock Safety license plate readers and similar surveillance systems without a judicial warrant.

The bill further seeks to influence local law enforcement by making Department of Justice grants conditional on the adoption of similar warrant requirements. This proposal follows the introduction of the Flock-Off Act and the No Flock Act, both of which aim to restrict automated surveillance. The legislative push comes as cities in 36 states have canceled contracts with Flock Safety following reports of police officers using the technology for stalking and other abuses.

Reactions to the technology remain divided. While lawmakers like Steube push for restrictions, Donald Trump expressed support for the cameras, stating he likes them for their value to law enforcement. Other officials have taken executive action, such as Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who halted state funding for the cameras.