Monroe County lawmakers adopted a local law Sept. 8 requiring commercial establishments to post notice when they collect biometric identification data and restricting sale or sharing of such data; supporters called it a necessary first step while some public commenters said it does not go far enough.

Howard Johnson asked the board to adopt an ordinance restricting where automatic license-plate readers ('flock cameras') can be installed and how the data they collect are stored and accessed, warning of misuse and urging limits on collection and retention.

Dozens of residents, nonprofit groups and business owners testified for and against AO 2026-108, a proposed municipal code rewrite to limit automated license-plate readers, RTCC operations and live monitoring. After extensive public testimony, sponsors continued the hearing to Sept. 15 to incorporate attorney review and public input.

Multiple speakers told the commission that automated license‑plate readers (ALPRs) constitute mass surveillance and urged the board to block further expansion. Residents cited neighboring counties’ removals and warned of a pending sheriff request for roughly $3 million for surveillance equipment during upcoming budget hearings.

After extensive public comment on drone programs, the council approved a substitute to BL2026-1498 that narrows Metro 'drone as first responder' uses, requires public hearings for surveillance pilots, bars autonomous (AI-only) Metro drones and removes facial recognition from Metro departments.