Congress introduces competing bills to regulate Flock ALPR surveillance

Republicans and Democrats in Congress have introduced competing legislation to regulate government use of Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers following reports of police misuse. The bipartisan efforts respond to documented abuses and growing public opposition to warrantless surveillance networks that track vehicle movements without judicial oversight. Proposed measures seek to establish federal standards for data retention, access protocols, and auditing requirements for ALPR systems deployed by law enforcement agencies. While both parties acknowledge the need for reform, their bills differ significantly on enforcement mechanisms and exemptions for national security investigations. The legislative push marks the first serious federal attempt to constrain ALPR technology since its rapid adoption by thousands of police departments. Privacy advocates argue current regulations are insufficient to prevent mission creep, while law enforcement groups warn restrictions could hamper criminal investigations.