Flock Safety Cameras Face Warrant Requirement Bill in Congress 2026

Flock Safety cameras, the ubiquitous license plate readers used by thousands of law enforcement agencies, are now at the center of a new federal bill that would require warrants for their use. Introduced by Republican Florida Congressman Greg Steube, the Facilitating Liberty and Accountability for Flock Observations (Flafo) Act aims to curb what critics call unchecked surveillance of law-abiding Americans.

What the Flafo Act Proposes

The bill would bar federal agencies from buying, operating, accessing, or sharing data from Flock Safety cameras and similar systems without a judicial warrant. It also conditions Department of Justice grants to local police on adopting similar warrant requirements. "Americans should not be tracked everywhere they drive without a warrant," Steube said in a statement. "The government has no business tracking law-abiding Americans."

Why Flock Safety Is the Target

Flock Safety, based in Atlanta, operates about 120,000 license plate readers across every state except Alaska, according to its website, and accounts for more than 80% of the market. The cameras photograph passing vehicles and log plate numbers, make, model, and location into databases that police in other jurisdictions can search. This widespread network has raised concerns about mass surveillance and data misuse.

Documented Misuse of Flock Data

Steube pointed to investigations in Florida, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin that found officers had misused the databases. These cases highlight the potential for abuse without strict oversight.

The Broader Backlash Against Surveillance

The bill is the third of its kind introduced in a month, signaling growing bipartisan concern over surveillance technologies. On September 2, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie introduced a similar bill, and other lawmakers have also proposed measures to regulate license plate readers.

Comparing Flock Safety to Other Surveillance Systems

Key Takeaways from the Proposed Legislation

• Federal agencies would need a warrant to use Flock Safety cameras.
• DOJ grants to local police would be conditional on warrant requirements.
• The bill targets Flock Safety due to its dominant market position.
• Recent investigations have revealed misuse of license plate data.
• Similar bills have been introduced in Congress, indicating bipartisan support.

Implications for Law Enforcement and Privacy

If passed, the Flafo Act would significantly alter how federal and local law enforcement use license plate readers. While proponents argue it protects civil liberties, critics worry it could hamper investigations. The debate reflects a broader tension between security and privacy in an era of advanced surveillance.

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