Massie proposes a warrant rule that covers plate-reader data
Thomas MassieU.S. representative from Kentucky
Rep. Thomas Massie introduced the Surveillance Accountability Act, which would require a warrant for government searches and says its exceptions do not allow warrantless collection or querying of plate-reader data.
“The Bill of Rights is not a suggestion, and Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless searches conducted by the government are not optional. The Surveillance Accountability Act requires government employees to first obtain a warrant based on probable cause before searching Americans’ personal information—even if the information sought is stored on a phone, in the cloud, or held by a third party. Warrantless searches are unconstitutional, and this does not change when the data the government seeks is in digital formats or held by a third party.”
Official statement
Original text
Official statement
Other statements by Thomas Massie in this case
- Massie proposes cutting federal camera fundingLater: Mixed or conditional
Where this statement fits
Should Flock-style license-plate surveillance networks exist?
Networked automated license-plate readers record passing vehicles and let agencies search or share travel records across locations. Candidates and officials disagree over whether to prohibit these networks, keep them with legal limits, or defend their use for investigations. This tracker records attributable positions on that choice, including proposals that would affect only public funding or data access.
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
Release from Rep. Thomas Massie's office announcing H.R. 8470 with Rep. Lauren Boebert as co-lead. It quotes both members and says the bill would prohibit warrantless use of license plate reader systems tied to individuals, with exceptions such as consent and exigent circumstances.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Original text
About this source
Introduced bill sponsored by Rep. Thomas Massie with Rep. Lauren Boebert. It would require a warrant based on probable cause for government searches and says its exceptions do not permit warrantless collection, retention, querying or analysis of plate-reader data gathered from drivers on public roadways without their consent.
Official statement
About this source
Joint release from Rep. Lauren Boebert's office announcing the bill with Rep. Thomas Massie. It quotes both members and lists restricting automated license plate readers, such as Flock cameras, among the bill's provisions.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Massie's office announced the bill on April 23, 2026, with Rep. Lauren Boebert as its co-lead.
After the quotation
His release says the bill would also prohibit warrantless use of facial recognition, biometric tracking and license plate reader systems tied to individuals, with exceptions such as consent and exigent circumstances.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The reference point is whether networked license-plate reader systems such as Flock should exist and be used. Massie's bill would require a warrant before the government collects or queries plate-reader data, rather than banning the systems, which fits Mixed or conditional.
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More from this case
Read the full caseJacob Burnett says Flock-style cameras should be done away with, with warrants required if they stay
“The systems themselves can be modified to prevent nearly all abuse and be made more secure by requiring warrants for access or follow through on any data the systems collect and have all data stored on the hardware itself preventing viewing from remote locations, requiring strict login credentials and a connecting warrant number to access. These are common sense changes that if the systems are to be used I feel could correct a lot of abuse or privacy concerns but I also feel the systems should be done away with overall, especially in the realm of predictive crime analytics.”Read statement
Dean Brewer, an independent candidate for Tennessee governor, says Flock cameras should be banned
“I believe flock cameras should be banned.”Read statement
Buddy Carter says license plate cameras help investigators but need privacy safeguards
“Technologies like license plate recognition cameras can provide valuable investigative tools, but they have also raised important questions about privacy and government oversight. As these systems become more common, it is important to balance public safety with appropriate safeguards that protect individual privacy.”Read statement
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- Massie proposes a warrant rule that covers plate-reader data
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The Dispute Index. "Massie proposes a warrant rule that covers plate-reader data". First published: 2026-10-06. Last updated: 2026-10-06. https://disputeindex.com/events/4926-rep-thomas-massie-introduced-the-surveillance-accountability-act