Michigan Lawmakers Want New Rules for License Plate Cameras

Michigan lawmakers are looking to put new restrictions on how police departments use automatic license plate reader cameras.

What Would Michigan's New Flock Camera Rules Change?

A package of bills introduced at the state Capitol would limit how information collected by systems like Flock Safety can be used, while also creating penalties if that data is misused.

How Police Could Use License Plate Reader Data

Under the proposed legislation, law enforcement would not be allowed to search for people who are not connected to an active investigation. Police also could not share information from the cameras with unauthorized people or use the data for things like commercial purposes or background checks.

The bills would also make law enforcement agencies liable if a mistaken identification from an automatic license plate reader leads to injury, death, or property damage. Violations could carry penalties of up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.

Why Some Michigan Residents Still Have Privacy Concerns

Supporters of tighter restrictions say the cameras raise serious privacy concerns.

READ MORE: How Michigan Drivers Can Check to See If Their Vehicles Have Been Scanned by a Flock Camera

Members of DeFlock Lansing, a group pushing to ban the cameras, say the proposed bills are a step forward but do not go far enough. Organizers argue that communities should have more control over when the technology is purchased and how it is used.

State Rep. Alicia St. Germain, one of the bill’s sponsors, said that license plate readers can be useful for the police while acknowledging concerns surrounding privacy.

Why Law Enforcement Supports License Plate Readers

Law enforcement officials have defended the technology. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy previously said the cameras helped his department solve homicides and armed robberies and recover hundreds of stolen vehicles.

Lansing City Council voted earlier this year to end the city's contract with Flock Safety.