# Lawmakers Introduce Ban Flock Act

On October 2, 2026, Senators Bernie Sanders and Jeff Merkley and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the proposed Ban Flock Act. If enacted, it would bar federal agencies from using automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) or accessing ALPR data, restrict federal grants to state and local governments that use the technology, and allow individuals to sue the federal government for certain violations. The proposal is not described as enacted, so its effects on current systems and procurements remain contingent on legislative action.

- Agencies and contractors supporting ALPR systems should assess which existing or planned activities involve federal use of the technology or access to its data.
- State and local grant recipients should evaluate whether ALPR contracts could affect eligibility for federal funding if the proposed grant restrictions are adopted.
- ALPR suppliers, including Flock Safety, should account for potential changes to federal demand and grant-funded state and local procurement if the bill advances.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Public Safety, Information Technology
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** October 03, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Congress (Congress)
- U.S. federal agencies
- State and local governments

### Vendors
- Flock Safety (ALPR system provider)

### Key Quotes
> Americans’ privacy should not depend on one vendor’s good judgement, its current leadership or its commercial incentives.
> — Dan Haley, Chief Legal Officer of Flock

### Sources
- [Sanders introduces bill to ban the federal government from using Flock | TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/02/sanders-introduces-bill-to-ban-the-federal-government-from-using-flock) - TechCrunch
- [Group of progressive lawmakers unveil bill to ban Flock cameras, other ALPRs | WKRG.com](https://www.wkrg.com/national/progressives-unveil-legislation-cracking-down-on-flock-cameras/amp) - WKRG
- [Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Merkley Unveil Ban Flock Act to Protect Americans’ Right to Privacy  - Merkley](https://www.merkley.senate.gov/sanders-ocasio-cortez-merkley-unveil-ban-flock-act-to-protect-americans-right-to-privacy/) - Merkley Senate