Bipartisan 'Flock-Off Act' Introduced to Block Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras
A bipartisan House bill, H.R. 10221, known as the 'Flock-Off Act,' has been introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) to prohibit federal funding for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and biometric surveillance cameras. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) among others, aims to prevent federal agencies and recipients of federal funding, including state, local, and tribal governments, from using federal money to purchase, operate, or support these camera systems. If enacted, federal agencies would have 180 days to remove federally funded systems, and state and local entities would need to cease operating them to continue receiving federal funds. The legislation defines covered camera systems as those that automatically capture and process vehicle or license plate images, or extract biometric information from people. Exceptions are made for cameras within one mile of U.S. borders for security purposes and for those used solely for toll collection. 
