House Bill 1010 would shut down warrantless license-plate surveillance, block government contracts and let Ohioans sue over violations.
Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation to shut down government use of Flock cameras and other automated license-plate readers for warrantless mass surveillance.
The Ohio Freedom from Mass Surveillance Act would require agencies to stop using covered systems within 30 days of its effective date, subject to specified exceptions.
Rep. Levi Dean, R-Xenia, sponsors House Bill 1010. Five lawmakers have signed on as cosponsors.
The introduced text would prohibit government agencies from buying, leasing or operating the systems outside those exceptions. It also targets contracts with surveillance vendors and access to third-party tracking databases.
“Government power must have limits,” Dean said in his announcement. He warned that the technology can track innocent Americans’ movements and enable abuse.
The bill preserves targeted surveillance under a valid search warrant. It also provides exceptions for ordinary body cameras and certain security, traffic and toll systems—not unrestricted plate-tracking networks.
Ohioans could sue over unlawful surveillance and recover damages and attorney fees. The bill would bar qualified and governmental immunity as defenses to those lawsuits.
Lawmakers introduced the measure Sept. 14. The official status page lists no subsequent action. The proposed ban has not become law.