Pennsylvania lawmakers will spend part of Monday morning taking a closer look at automated license plate reader technology.

Two separate hearings are scheduled in Harrisburg on Sept. 28, just two hours apart.

Automated license plate readers, commonly called ALPRs, use cameras and software to capture and read vehicle license plates.

Flock Safety is one of the best-known companies selling the technology, which is why many people simply refer to these devices as “Flock cameras.” But Flock is the company. ALPR is the broader technology.

The first hearing begins at 9 a.m.

The Pennsylvania House Judiciary and Transportation committees will hold a joint informational meeting on the use of automated license plate reader systems in Room 140 of the Main Capitol. The meeting is scheduled to be livestreamed. PA General Assembly

The Judiciary Committee is chaired by Rep. Tim Briggs, whose 149th District includes Upper Merion Township, Bridgeport Borough and West Conshohocken Borough. Transportation Committee Chairman Ed Neilson will co-chair the meeting.

Two hours later, the House Republican Policy Committee will hold a separate hearing titled:

“Protecting the Fourth Amendment: Establishing Guardrails for Automated Surveillance.”

That hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Room 418 of the State Capitol and will examine automated license plate reader technology and its implications for public safety, privacy and the Fourth Amendment. David Rowe

Scheduled witnesses include Lawrence Gerrity, legislative chairman for the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police; Jim Harper, a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; and former New Hampshire state Rep. Neal Kurk. David Rowe

The hearing is being hosted by House Republican Policy Committee Chairman David Rowe along with Reps. Josh Bashline, Brenda Pugh, Jamie Walsh and other lawmakers. It is also scheduled to be livestreamed. David Rowe

The hearings come as Pennsylvania lawmakers consider several different approaches to regulating automated license plate readers.

One of those proposals, House Bill 2771, was introduced earlier this month and is currently before the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would establish statewide rules governing ALPR systems and impose penalties for certain violations. PA General Assembly

As Upper Merion Area Spotlight recently reported, the current version of HB 2771 would also expressly preserve a municipality’s ability to regulate, permit or prohibit ALPR systems within its borders.

Other lawmakers have proposed different approaches, including warrant requirements, shorter retention periods, municipal moratoriums and broader restrictions on ALPR systems.

Monday’s hearings do not change Pennsylvania law and are not votes to approve or prohibit Flock cameras or other license plate readers.

They are informational proceedings intended to give lawmakers an opportunity to hear testimony and examine how the technology is being used and what safeguards Pennsylvania may consider.

For Upper Merion residents, the discussion is particularly relevant because automated license plate reader technology is already in use locally, while fixed ALPR cameras are also visible around the township.

Upper Merion Area Spotlight has previously reported on Upper Merion Police Policy 755, the department’s participation in the regional Pennsylvania License Plate Recognition Network, and the unanswered questions surrounding ownership and access to some fixed cameras operating locally.

Upper Merion Area Spotlight will review both hearings and report back on any developments that could affect the use of automated license plate readers locally.

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Thank you for reading,

Corey