Harrisburg, PA – September 1, 2026 − State Senators Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) today announced plans to introduce legislation establishing statewide privacy and accountability standards for automated license plate reader systems, including Flock Safety cameras, as the technology becomes increasingly common across Pennsylvania.
Automated license plate readers capture and store information about vehicles as they travel on public roads. While the technology can be a valuable tool for law enforcement, its growing use and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence has raised concerns about who can access the information collected, how it can be used, and how long it can be retained.
“Technology can help law enforcement solve crimes and keep our communities safe, but we need to find a balance that also protects personal privacy,” said Senator Pisciottano. “If we are going to have cameras collecting information about where people are traveling, we need clear rules governing who can access that information, why they can access it, and what happens when someone abuses that access. This legislation creates those protections without preventing law enforcement from using this technology for legitimate investigations.”
The legislation would establish a statewide accountability framework governing automated license plate reader systems. It would require clear rules for accessing data, documented reasons for searches, audit trails, data retention standards, and transparency measures designed to prevent unauthorized use of sensitive information.
The proposal would also establish civil penalties for the unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of license plate reader data. Individuals harmed by misuse would be able to pursue civil remedies, while the Pennsylvania Attorney General and county district attorneys would have authority to investigate violations and bring civil enforcement actions.
“There’s a stark difference between using technology to make our communities safer and using it to invade people’s privacy by surveilling their daily activities,” said Senator Kim. “Without clear guidance and standards for their use, automated license plate readers have the potential to turn our everyday movements into data to be sold or accessed for improper purposes. This legislation will ensure that this technology is used safely and securely across Pennsylvania and establish penalties for those who seek to abuse it.”
Reports from across the country have raised concerns about individuals with authorized access allegedly using license plate reader systems to track former partners, acquaintances and others for personal or otherwise unauthorized purposes. Questions have also emerged about the ownership, sharing, and potential sale of information collected through these systems.
The proposal would ensure access is limited to authorized personnel for appropriate purposes while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use license plate reader technology in lawful investigations.
The Senators argue that Pennsylvanians should not have to choose between public safety and personal privacy. Law enforcement can continue performing legitimate investigations while safeguarding personal data by restricting access to authorized personnel and strengthening protections around sensitive information.
The Senate legislation will serve as a companion to a bipartisan House bill led by State Representative Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia).