DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - A day after Florida banned Flock cameras along state highways, Alabama may be on the verge of doing the same thing, according to one lawmaker, as momentum against the license plate readers intensifies.

Flock cameras have been installed across the country for years, largely without drawing attention. As more cameras are installed, more people are becoming wary.

Dothan resident Rhett Deal said he believes Flock cameras violate the law.

“I feel like they’re very much a constitutional violation,” Deal said.

Alabama lawmakers have concerns as well. State Rep. Rick Rehm, R-District 85, is among them.

“We’re going to need to fix something,” Rehm said.

“It’s either going to be a complete ban or it may be just reigning in how that data is processed, how it’s held on to,” Rehm said.

Automated license plate readers, known as Flock cameras, capture vehicle license plate information. The cameras have been used to solve crimes but also track law-abiding drivers.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis banned Flock cameras from state highways this week, with counties passing their own laws amid growing outcry.

“I can absolutely understand their concern, and that may be something we end up doing here in Alabama,” Rehm said.

Rehm said he believes Flock cameras have flaws.

“We also need to hear from law enforcement and get the explanation of why have these breaches occurred where people are not properly looking at that data. What’s the recourse?” Rehm said.

State Sen. Donnie Chesteen is among 169 other lawmakers who will consider camera legislation in Alabama.

“The Senate body will address the use of flock cameras coming into this next legislative session, probably one of the first bills that we will be addressing,” Chesteen said. “We need some guardrails on the use of those, the length of time they’re used, and basically the purpose of their use.”

In 2021, Sen. Arthur Orr pushed camera rules that passed the Senate but died in the House.

“In 2021, we weren’t really talking about this. You know, if you sit back and think about the constituent or think about our citizens, they just woke up one day and these flock cameras were everywhere. There wasn’t a debate about it,” Rehm said.

Despite the concerns, Flock cameras have helped solve violent crimes. Covington County’s sheriff said the cameras led to the safe return of three kidnapped children last year.

Deal said the cameras still raise concerns for him.

“I should be secure in my persons and not have to have warrantless searches or seizures,” Deal said.

News 4 reached out to Gov. Kay Ivey for her stance on the issue and did not hear back at time of publication.

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