Full Breakdown
Congress Moves to Ban Federal Funding for Flock License-Plate Cameras
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Introduction of the Get the Flock Out of Our Communities Act
The bill would prohibit federal funds for purchasing, installing, maintaining, leasing, or operating automated mass-surveillance systems—including automated license-plate readers (ALPRs), biometric surveillance, and facial-recognition technology. Systems already acquired with federal money must be removed within 30 days of enactment, and any data derived from them must be permanently deleted within seven days. Eligibility for certain Department of Justice Byrne and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants would be tied to compliance.
Legislative Context and Related Bills
Tlaib’s measure joins a bipartisan wave of proposals targeting ALPR technology. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced the “Flock-Off Act” on September 2, citing Fourth-Amendment concerns. Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) added the “Ban Flock Act” on October 1, which would prohibit federal use of ALPRs without explicit statutory authorization and condition grant programs on state and local restrictions.
Timeline of Federal Actions
| Date | Legislative Action |
|---|---|
| September 2 | Rep. Thomas Massie introduces the Flock-Off Act. |
| September 24 | Rep. Greg Steube introduces the FLAFO Act. |
| October 1 | Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduces the Ban Flock Act. |
| October 14, 2026 | Rep. Rashida Tlaib introduces the Get the Flock Out of Our Communities Act. |
Key Provisions of Tlaib’s Bill
- Funding Ban: Federal agencies may not purchase, lease, install, operate, or maintain any “automated mass-surveillance system” as defined by the bill.
- Divestiture Requirement: Existing federally funded equipment must be removed within 30 days of enactment.
- Data Deletion: All surveillance data generated by prohibited systems must be erased within seven days; data obtained in violation cannot be admitted in court or administrative proceedings.
- Grant Conditions: Applicants for Byrne and COPS grants must certify that they and any law-enforcement entities receiving the funds do not maintain, access, lease, or operate the prohibited technology or its data.
Official Statements & Responses
- Rep. Tlaib framed the legislation as a response to “mass surveillance” that she argues does not enhance safety and diverts federal resources from essential community needs.
- Several Southeast Michigan municipalities—including Eastpointe, Milford, Madison Heights, and Bedford Township—have terminated their contracts with Flock, citing privacy concerns.
Why It Matters
The debate pits privacy advocates’ concerns about searchable records of vehicle movements against law-enforcement arguments that ALPRs are valuable investigative tools. The legislation could set a national precedent for how federal funding influences the deployment of automated surveillance technologies at state and local levels.
What’s Next
The Get the Flock Out of Our Communities Act has been referred to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the Judiciary Committee. Advancement will require committee approval, floor votes in both chambers, and presidential signature. Parallel bills introduced by Representatives Massie, Steube, and Ocasio-Cortez remain at the introduced stage.