Flock-Off Act

Summary#

This bill would stop the use of Federal funds for certain camera systems and related parts. It covers devices that automatically capture and process images or recordings of motor vehicles or people using machine learning or automated image processing. Examples include systems that extract license plate numbers, vehicle details, or biometric data (like facial images, voiceprints, fingerprints, iris scans, or gait patterns), convert that information into computer-readable data, and send it to a remote or cloud system. "Associated components" include hardware, software, databases, networks, cloud services, and data analysis tools used with those cameras.

The bill bars Federal agencies and anyone who gets Federal money (including State, local, and Tribal governments) from buying, installing, operating, maintaining, repairing, replacing, upgrading, or otherwise supporting these covered camera systems or contracts and data-sharing arrangements that give access to them. Federal agencies must decommission and remove covered systems bought with Federal funds within 180 days of enactment. Recipients and subrecipients must stop operating such systems and end related agreements within 180 days as a condition of keeping Federal funding. If a recipient uses Federal funds in violation of the ban, the agency that provided the funds must withhold future funds until the recipient repays the Treasury.

The bill includes two exceptions. One exception allows covered camera systems within 1 mile of the northern or southern border if they are owned or operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or a law enforcement agency under a written agreement with CBP and are used mainly for border security or to detect or stop unlawful entry, human trafficking, drug trafficking, alien smuggling, or transnational criminal activity. A second exception allows use of certain toll-collection cameras funded under 23 U.S.C. 104(b) if the only purpose is toll collection and any data collected is used only for that purpose.

What it means for you#

• If you work for a Federal agency: you could not obligate or spend Federal money on the covered camera systems or related components described in the bill. Any existing covered systems paid for with Federal funds must be removed within 180 days of enactment.
• If your state, local, or Tribal government receives Federal grants: continuing to receive those Federal funds would require you to stop operating covered camera systems paid for with those funds and to end related contracts and data-sharing arrangements within 180 days.
• If you are involved in contracts or services that provide hardware, software, cloud storage, or data services for these camera systems: Federal-funded contracts for those services would be barred, except under the listed border and toll exceptions.
• If you live near the northern or southern border or use toll roads: some cameras may still be used under the bill’s border and tolling exceptions.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information on proponents' stated reasons in the bill text. Sponsors listed in the bill metadata include Thomas Massie, Eric Burlison, Ro Khanna, Victoria Spartz, Paul Gosar, Chip Roy, Lauren Boebert, and Mark Harris.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.