Hawley to Introduce Bill Setting Safeguards for Flock Cameras

Washington, D.C. (KFMO) - Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley is preparing to introduce legislation that would establish federal safeguards for Flock cameras and other artificial intelligence-powered surveillance technology.

Hawley announced Wednesday that he will introduce the Stop Flock Abuse Act, following his investigation into Flock Safety and a September 23 Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing examining the use of AI-powered surveillance cameras.

The legislation would establish several requirements for automated license plate reader, or ALPR, systems.

Under Hawley's proposal, local governments collecting vehicle location data would be prohibited from selling or sharing that information with non-governmental third parties. The bill would also require a written approval process for searches, with agencies required to maintain audit logs showing who conducted a search, why it was conducted, who approved it and what information was viewed.

The legislation would require agencies to regularly review those audit logs for potential misuse.

The proposal would also require ALPR data to be encrypted and stored within the United States. In most circumstances, driver data would have to be permanently deleted after 10 days, with limited exceptions for active criminal investigations.

Hawley's bill would additionally prohibit ALPR systems from incorporating facial recognition technology and would bar agencies from using ALPR hardware or software sourced from foreign adversaries.

Hawley launched an investigation into Flock Safety in August. His office has cited concerns about the collection, retention and use of information gathered by the company's cameras. Flock says its technology is used by law enforcement and others to help solve crimes and locate missing people.

The proposed legislation comes as Missouri and lawmakers around the country examine how automated license plate reader technology should be regulated. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed an executive order earlier this month establishing safeguards for ALPR technology, including Flock cameras, while preserving law enforcement uses.