Bill to Restrict ‘Flock’ Cameras Passes House

Amid growing concerns about the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, I joined a majority in the state House this week in voting to restrict its usage and help protect people’s privacy.

House Bill 2771 would restrict government use of plate readers to specific law enforcement activities, including criminal investigations and some types of parking enforcement, as well as controlling access to secured areas. The bill would require data captured by the cameras to be deleted within 72 hours if not relevant to an investigation or enforcement issue.

The measure would also prohibit selling, trading or sharing data captured by ALPRs, which are commonly referred to as “Flock” cameras because it is the most common brand of reader used in the United States.

The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.