Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) introduced the 'Flock-Off Act' on Thursday, a bill that targets the expansion of surveillance technology at the local level. The proposed legislation aims to restrict the use of federal funds for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and biometric surveillance cameras. If passed, the act would effectively block municipalities and local law enforcement agencies from using federal grants or support to purchase, install, maintain, operate, or upgrade these specific types of surveillance equipment.

The bill represents a push by Massie to limit the reach of surveillance infrastructure in public spaces. While the proposal focuses on federal funding, it would have a direct impact on how local jurisdictions manage their security budgets. By targeting the financial pipeline for these technologies, the bill seeks to curb the deployment of systems that track vehicle movements and collect biometric data. The legislation is currently in the early stages of the congressional process, and it remains to be seen how it will be received by other lawmakers or how it might affect existing federal grant programs for local police departments. No counter-arguments or statements from proponents of the surveillance technology were included in the initial announcement of the bill.