Overview
Sponsored by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), H.R. 9800 targets private automated surveillance networks like Flock Safety by cutting off the federal financial pipeline used by state and local police to purchase or operate them.
"Public safety, privacy, and Fourth Amendment rights must coexist. Federal tax dollars should not fund passive, 24/7 dragnet tracking of law-abiding citizens."
Key Provisions
- Grant Prohibition: Prohibits state and local municipalities from using federal public safety or highway grant funds to contract for or operate automated license plate readers (ALPRs).
- Federal Agency Ban: Bars federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies from purchasing, operating, or accessing third-party private ALPR camera databases.
- Biometric & Facial Recognition Coverage: Extends restrictions to automated biometric tools, including facial recognition and continuous gait/iris tracking networks.
| Technology Covered | Federal Funding Ban | Direct Federal Access Ban |
|---|---|---|
| Flock ALPR Cameras | Yes | Yes |
| Facial Recognition | Yes | Yes |
| Biometric Scanners | Yes | Yes |