Did Tracy Pennycuick support Flock cameras?

What are Flock cameras?

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers. They photograph passing vehicles, then use AI to identify each car's plate number, make, and model, according to Spotlight PA². That data goes into a searchable database of where and when vehicles travel, which law enforcement can access.

Unlike a speed camera, which records a single violation, license plate readers record constantly, whether or not anyone has done anything wrong. Under Flock's policy, a police agency can share its data with other agencies in almost any state. Flock says data is deleted after a set time, usually 7 days. Until recently, the default was 30 days.

What does SB 933 do?

SB 933 would set up a state system for permitting automated license plate readers on Pennsylvania roads, which the bill calls "trafficways³." Its sponsor memo⁴ is titled "Combatting Crime with Automated License Plate Reader Technology."

What do Republicans say about Flock cameras?

Flock cameras have drawn opposition from Republicans in Pennsylvania and across the country.

Republican nominee for governor Stacy Garrity supports a ban, calling Flock cameras an "intrusive invasion of privacy," according to Spotlight PA².

Republican state Sen. Dan Laughlin of Erie introduced a bill to ban the technology, warning that "once the surveillance network is built, there is no guarantee it will only be used in ways we find acceptable today."

Republican state Reps. David Rowe and Josh Bashline want to require a warrant before police can search license plate reader data.

Is anyone else rethinking the cameras?

Yes. As of September 2026, Pennsylvania lawmakers had introduced at least nine bills to restrict or ban automated license plate readers, according to Spotlight PA². Sixteen states already restrict the technology. SB 933's prime sponsor, Sen. Joe Picozzi, told Spotlight PA he'd be "happy to have a conversation" about limits on how the data is kept and used.

Police groups argue the cameras help find stolen cars and missing people. Critics, including Republican lawmakers, say the cameras amount to mass tracking of law-abiding drivers with little accountability.