Bloomington Council Bans License Plate Readers
Mayor Kerry Thomson intends to sign the new ordinance prohibiting the use of license plate reader technology in the city.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in City Hall
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The Bloomington City Council passed an ordinance during the week of October 14, 2026, banning the use of license plate readers. Mayor Kerry Thomson stated she will sign the legislation, citing concerns over misuse and insufficient safeguards by the provider, Flock.
Why it matters
The administration determined that previous camera tools lacked necessary oversight, leading to the total prohibition of the technology. City officials also confirmed the police department will not pursue alternative reader systems.
The city current budget reflects a $4.5 million excess, which includes $4 million previously earmarked for Bloomington Transit subsidies and $0.5 million for 2027 municipal elections. A separate planned conversion study for College and Walnut streets carries a potential cost exceeding $100 million.
The players
Kerry Thomson
Kerry Thomson is the Mayor of Bloomington who confirmed her intent to sign the ordinance into law.
Bloomington City Council
The Bloomington City Council is the legislative body that passed the ordinance banning license plate readers.
Bloomington Police Department
The Bloomington Police Department is the local agency affected by the ban on license plate reader technology.
The details
The city currently lacks the internal data storage infrastructure to support license plate reader technology from other providers. Officials maintain that fiscal stability has been improved by eliminating annual transit subsidies and adjusting for variable expenses.
Timeline
The city council passed the license plate reader ban during the week of October 14, 2026.
Mayor Kerry Thomson discussed the city budget and policies in an interview on October 21, 2026.
Municipal elections are scheduled to take place in Bloomington in 2027.
Political Context
This ordinance aligns with local efforts to tighten surveillance oversight despite broader federal shifts. While the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has proposed a rule change to remove certain agency requirements, Bloomington is moving to implement stricter local controls on data collection.
The ban effectively removes license plate readers from local police operations, changing the city's approach to automated traffic surveillance. Residents should note that the city is currently managing a budget excess, with funds redirected from transit subsidies to cover future election costs.
The takeaway
The city's decision to ban license plate readers follows a strategic move to address data safety and infrastructure limitations. Residents can expect further technical discussions regarding the camera equipment used at local stoplights.
What happens next
Municipal elections are scheduled for 2027, which will impact local governance and budget allocation.
Further reading
For more information on local legislative actions, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indiana Public Media.
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Do you support a total ban on the use of police license plate readers in your community?
