Proposed Kentucky legislation aims to limit data retention from Flock cameras for privacy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Flock cameras are a tool several police departments across Kentucky use to catch criminals by reading their license plates, but new legislation may change the way they work.

Flock cameras have caused some controversy. Some people are concerned about privacy and the potential misuse of the technology. That's why Kentucky Rep. John Hodgson, a Republican who represents part of Jefferson County, is sponsoring House Bill 58.

"House Bill 58 seeks to find a balance with our need to protect the public from violent criminals and things like car theft, carjacking, kidnapping, missing children, you know, crimes in progress, property crimes, but also to protect us from the increase of the surveillance state," said Hodgson.

This is the fourth year state lawmakers have pushed for this bill. Hodgson said the bill has passed through the House a couple of times, but this legislative session they're hoping it gets further.

If passed, it would put a 90-day limit on the data, meaning police wouldn't be able to keep the footage after that time unless it's involved in an active criminal investigation.

"It's not healthy for government law enforcement agencies to have information go that far back," Hodgson said. "We don't want people on fishing expeditions."

The bill would also limit where the data can be sold or shared.

"The reason for that is that it's not just a picture of your license plate, it's all the information about your license plate and your car, where it is over time," said Hodgson.

The Jeffersontown and Louisville Metro police departments both use Flock cameras.

In a statement, Jeffersontown Police Chief Rick Sanders said, in part, "Significantly restricting or eliminating this technology would reduce our ability to respond effectively to serious crime and would remove a proven public safety tool relied upon by our officers and investigators."

"Technology is not replacing officers—it’s empowering them. It allows our investigators to work smarter, respond faster, and focus more time on building strong cases," Sgt. Matt Sanders, an LMPD spokesperson said in a statement. "Tools like Flock are helping us move policing forward, and they are making a measurable difference in keeping Louisville safe."

Those who live in Louisville said they feel safer with them.

"They're helping the community find the people that are doing the wrong things," Louisville resident Debbie Brady said. "I think they should do more and keep them, add to what we have, absolutely."

There's a second piece of legislation in Frankfort right now related to Flock cameras. This one is sponsored by District 66 Rep. T.J. Roberts.

House Bill 375 would entirely prohibit the use, deployment and maintenance of any automated license plate reader systems, including Flock.

Hodgson said a lot of people who want to see them completely banned are people who don't represent or live in urban areas. While he said he's sympathetic to those people, he lives in and represents a high crime county.

The House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed HB 58, it now goes to the full House.

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