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◆ Mixed look for SandersCriminal JusticeTechnology / Privacy

Senators Propose Ban on Federal Use of License Plate Readers

Bernie Sanders joined Jeff Merkley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in proposing restrictions on federal use of license plate readers.

Senators Propose Ban on Federal Use of License Plate Readers
Image · Northeast Times

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Outlet credibilityNortheast TimesNOT RATED
This article1 analysis · Oct 3, 2026
tl;dr

Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Ban Flock Act, which would restrict federal use of automatic license plate readers and limit grants to local governments that use them. The sponsors say the technology threatens privacy; a separate proposal by Thomas Massie would restrict local purchases.

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Bernie Sanders I · VT · SEN
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Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Sponsor of the Ban Flock Act

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Jeff Merkley
D · OR · SEN

Sponsor of the Ban Flock Act

Merkley's version of this story ↗
Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Sponsor of a separate Republican proposal on license plate readers

Part of a bigger story

15 OUTLETS
Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez and Merkley Introduce License Plate Reader Bill

Outlets agree that Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Ban Flock Act, which would restrict federal use of license-plate readers. Left-leaning outlets emphasize privacy and surveillance harms tied to the cameras. Center outlets mostly describe the proposal and its scrutiny, with some pairing sponsors’ concerns with the company’s response and law-enforcement uses. Right-leaning outlets also use largely descriptive accounts but often note alternative proposals alongside the bill’s federal-use and funding restrictions.

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