Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

September 3, 2026

Proposals Safeguard Data Recorded by Flock Cameras

Public safety and personal privacy are not opposing ideas. 

As your voice in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, it is incumbent on me to prioritize both. That’s why I oppose the unchecked spread of flock cameras and similar automated license plate readers across our communities — and why I cosponsored two new House measures that propose clear, common-sense guardrails regarding this technology.

These small cameras, situated on utility poles, may look harmless, but they are part of a system that scans every passing vehicle, records license plates, and builds detailed logs of where people drive and when. That data can be stored, searched, shared, and, in some cases, accessed by private vendors.

I’m not against technology that helps solve crimes. I am against technology that treats every Pennsylvanian as a suspect by default, and without proper guidelines. I don’t want to see mass surveillance turn our ordinary errands into tracked movements and then have that information potentially sold for commercial use.

I co-sponsored a two-bill package aimed at protecting our Fourth Amendment right regarding unreasonable search and seizure in the digital age. It would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using automated license plate data to search for or track a specific person or vehicle, except in narrow emergencies.

The package also limits how long data can be retained and requires the posting of signs when cameras are present, similar to laws regarding speed cameras. Local government would have the option to pause the use of camera systems until proper safeguards are in place.

I also co-sponsored legislation that targets the privatization and sales of our travel data. Under the proposal, private vendors would be prohibited from selling, disclosing or transferring automated license plate reader data without explicit authorization from the contracting law enforcement agency. Information would still be able to be shared among first responders.

This isn’t about tying police officers’ hands. It’s about making sure powerful surveillance tools are used only when there is probable cause and judicial oversight — exactly what our founders intended.

Unfortunately, in nationwide cases, there are documented examples where information has been abused. Strong rules deter misuse, and I believe that our citizens should have confidence that this information is being used responsibly.

I have spoken with constituents throughout the 55th District who shared many of these concerns. You’ve told me you don’t want to live in a state where every trip to the grocery store, doctor, or a friend’s house is logged in a database you can’t access and don’t control. You want law enforcement to have what they need to keep us safe, but not at the cost of turning our roads into a surveillance grid.

I agree and therefore reiterate: Public safety and civil liberties are not opposites, they are partners. Police should have effective tools to fight crime and one’s privacy need not be at risk.  

These concepts embrace both priorities, and Pennsylvania has a chance to lead on this issue by implementing a balanced approach.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Senior Expo Planned for Sept. 17 - Between the many exhibitors, health screenings, prescription drug take back and door prizes, seniors do not want to miss the annual Senior Expo I am hosting with Sen. Joe Pittman and Rep. Abby Major! The fun takes place Thursday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lower Burrell VFW, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road in Lower Burrell.

Veterans, Mark Your Calendars for Oct. 31! - If you’re a veteran, be certain to mark your calendar for my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 31, 8:30-11 a.m. Open to all veterans in the 55th district and one guest each, the event includes retired Rear Adm. Charles Kubic as guest speaker. He served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years and established Kubic Engineer Group in 2012. Register by Oct. 26 by emailing aadams@pahousegop.com, or calling 724-472-4102 or 724-387-9113.



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com