In response to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s Executive Order 26-18, which places new restrictions on Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) data and Flock Safety cameras, House Democrats expressed skepticism, calling the action unsatisfactory without comprehensive legislative backing. While they shared the governor’s concerns regarding unchecked surveillance, they criticized the execution and scope of the order.
The primary criticisms and responses from the Democratic leadership include:
- Lack of Legislative Substance: House Minority Leader Ashley Aune argued that the executive order consisted of “promises he has no authority to keep”. Democrats maintain that a permanent statutory framework is required to truly protect citizen privacy.
- Missed Opportunity for a Special Session: Leadership noted that if privacy protections were a true priority for the governor, he could have called an official special legislative session while lawmakers were already gathered in the Capitol for the annual veto session.
- Commitment to Future Action: House Democrats stated they plan to pursue substantive, legally binding regulations to curb the unlawful and unrestricted use of ALPR cameras when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.
Democrat Statement:
“We appreciate the governor’s gesture opposing Flock cameras, but since executive orders of this type have no force of law, a gesture is all it is. It will take a law enacted by the legislature to actually impose accountability over the legitimate law enforcement use of such systems and ensure they are never used for the mass surveillance of law-abiding Missourians.”
“If this was an actual priority for the governor, he could have called a special session on the issue for today while lawmakers are already in the Capitol for veto session. He instead chose to issue a press release full of promises he has no authority to keep. House Democrats look forward to taking substantive action to address the unlawful and unrestricted use of these cameras when the legislature reconvenes in January.”
House Minority Leader Ashley Aune
D-Kansas City
