HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — As conversations and concerns grow surrounding the use of Flock cameras, a group of state representatives say they’re planning to introduce legislation protecting Pennsylvanians from the misuse of the automated license plate readers.

The bipartisan legislation would establish statewide “privacy and accountability protections” for the ALPR systems, which includes the Flock Safety cameras and software.

The plans were announced Monday by state Rep. Nate Davidson, a Democrat who represents Cumberland and Dauphin counties, along with Reps. Tarik Khan (D-Phila), Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia), Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware), and Napoleon Nelson (D-Montgomery).

The legislation would establish rules about who can access the data collected by these cameras, the reasons for searching the data, data retention, audit trails and transparency.

READ MORE | Another Flock camera damaged in Franklin County

“It would also establish meaningful civil penalties for unauthorized access, use, or disclosure; allow individuals harmed by misuse to bring a civil action; and authorize the Pennsylvania Attorney General and county district attorneys to investigate violations and bring civil enforcement actions,” a news release from Khan reads.

Supporters of ALPRs argue that they help law enforcement solve crimes, recover stolen vehicles and locate missing people.

READ MORE | License plate readers help troopers ID man accused of raping girl at motel: troopers

Those against the cameras, however, point to privacy concerns and documented cases of misuse. The press release points to cases where individuals with authorized access have used the cameras to stalk former partners or conduct searches for other personal reasons.

“Technology that can help keep our communities safe should never become a tool for stalking or abuse,” O’Mara said. “If someone has access to information that can reveal where a person has been, especially a survivor trying to stay safe, there must be strict safeguards around that information and serious accountability when those safeguards are violated.”

You can read more about the legislation here.

READ MORE | As more Flock cameras cut down in Franklin County, state police search for vandals

An estimated five Flock cameras have been cut down in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, according to state police, who are still trying to identify suspects.

Franklin County Sheriff Benjamin Sites told CBS 21 in a previous email that anyone who misuses their access to a Flock camera would be investigated and could potentially face criminal charges.

“If that is found, if that is suggested, it will be investigated,” Sites said. “It will be brought to the attention of the district attorney if criminal charges are necessary, and it will be dealt with accordingly, because, you know, we cannot allow bad law enforcement officers to undermine the work of good law enforcement officers.”