U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie introduced the Flock-Off Act last month to strip federal funding from municipalities that contract with automated license-plate-reader operators. The bill's language extends beyond Flock to cover automated speed and red light cameras as well.
Massie, a Kentucky Republican, said the bill aims to prevent law enforcement from surveilling "law-abiding citizens." The measure currently exempts only tolling cameras and cameras within a mile of the northern and southern borders.
Democratic co-sponsor Rep. Ro Khanna of California told Streetsblog he supports speed and red light cameras because "you don't have speed and red light cameras being abused by police officers." Speed and red light cameras only activate when they detect an infraction beyond a set threshold, unlike license-plate readers that capture every passing vehicle and create a searchable database accessible to virtually all Flock customers.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency reported that speeding dropped 84% after it deployed speed cameras in 2025. Speed and red light cameras also reduce the need for traffic stops, which can lead to dangerous police interactions or pursuits.
The article notes a legislative backlash against license-plate-reading cameras appears likely regardless of midterm election results. Flock has distributed a handbook to law enforcement agencies on how to "own the narrative" regarding its camera system.