Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Cut Federal Funding for Automated License Plate Readers

Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Eric Burlison unveiled the Flock-Off Act, aiming to block federal money for automated license-plate readers (ALPRs) except for border security and toll collection. The bill, named after leading vendor Flock Safety, is backed by Democrat Ro Khanna and Republicans Lauren Boebert, Paul Gosar, Chip Roy and Victoria Spartz, highlighting a rare bipartisan push against AI-enabled surveillance. Recent YouGov and NextGen surveys reveal a notable rise in public resistance to ALPR deployment, with opposition growing among both Democrats and Republicans.

High-profile figures including Sen. Josh Hawley, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas officials have warned that unrestricted ALPR access enables privacy violations and potential abuse. Civil-rights groups have documented over 100 incidents of misuse, prompting some local governments to cancel or not renew contracts. While other related bills have garnered limited Republican support, the Flock-Off Act underscores a widening consensus that federal funding should not fuel a surveillance state.