WASHINGTON, D.C. A new legislative effort is underway to significantly restrict the federal government’s ability to deploy and fund mass surveillance technologies, including automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and facial recognition software.
What the Bill Does
Introduced as [H.R. 9800 on GovInfo](https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hr9800ih), the “Protection Against Mass Surveillance Act” aims to halt the proliferation of persistent tracking systems by the government. The legislation would strictly prohibit federal agencies from purchasing, deploying, operating, accessing, or contracting for automated surveillance systems that identify, track, or record individuals. This ban broadly covers technologies like ALPRs, facial recognition, and biometric identification.
Furthermore, the bill would block state and local law enforcement agencies from using federal grant money to acquire these same technologies. Any data obtained in violation of the act would be required to be deleted within 30 days and would be permanently inadmissible as evidence in court or administrative proceedings according to Bill Sponsor.
Who Proposed It
The bill was introduced on July 21, 2026, by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), who represents Tennessee’s 2nd Congressional District. According to a report by Police1, Burchett proposed the legislation out of concern that systems like Flock Safety cameras violate the Fourth Amendment and erode citizens’ constitutional rights without sufficient oversight. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) has also been listed as a sponsor on Bill Sponsor, and other libertarian-leaning lawmakers like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) have signaled strong support for targeting the financial incentives that drive surveillance camera proliferation, as noted by the Cato at Liberty Blog.
Current Status
H.R. 9800 is currently in the earliest stages of the legislative process. Upon its introduction in the House on July 21, it was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. No votes have been held, and the bill has not yet advanced out of committee.
Likelihood of Passing
Historically, the vast majority of bills introduced in Congress die in committee, meaning H.R. 9800 faces a steep uphill battle, a reality acknowledged by local advocacy groups like Maryville Residents for Privacy.
The legislation is already drawing public pushback from local law enforcement officials who argue these tools are vital for solving crimes. For instance, Mt. Juliet Police Chief Tyler Chandler told Police1 that ALPR systems have led to hundreds of arrests in 2026 alone, arguing that current federal case law does not support the claim that license plate readers automatically violate the Fourth Amendment.
While privacy advocates strongly support the measure, overcoming intense opposition from law enforcement lobbies to secure enough bipartisan support to pass both the House and the Senate remains highly unlikely in the short term.