Texas Governor Abbott halts state funding for Flock surveillance cameras

Flock Safety surveillance cameras Greg Abbott Texas law enforcement privacy concerns

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies to halt funding for Flock Safety AI-powered surveillance cameras. The decision follows an investigation by The Texas Tribune revealing that the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority had used at least $30 million in state funds to expand the surveillance network.

The funding originated from a 2023 legislative mandate that added a $1 surcharge to Texas auto insurance policies to combat catalytic converter theft. Since 2023, the authority has supported the installation of more than 3,200 Flock cameras through various grants to local law enforcement and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Flock cameras utilize artificial intelligence to catalog detailed vehicle profiles, including make, model, color, and unique identifiers like dents or bumper stickers. While the governor has paused state-level funding for these systems, officials noted that many municipalities continue to utilize federal funds for such technology.

Entities

Flock Safety · Greg Abbott · Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority · Texas · Texas Department of Public Safety · Texas Tribune

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] A state oversight body funneled at least $30 million toward building the Flock surveillance network through municipal law enforcement grants. 1470kyyw.com · abc13.com · www.gilmermirror.com · feeds.texastribune.org
[○ 1 SOURCE] Flock Safety stated the company supports legislation with privacy guardrails that preserve officer use of their product. abc13.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Texas state agencies are forbidden from using state funds to purchase or maintain Flock cameras. 1470kyyw.com · abc13.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority has supported the installation of more than 3,200 Flock cameras since 2023. 1470kyyw.com · abc13.com · www.gilmermirror.com · feeds.texastribune.org
[● 4 SOURCES] A 2023 law added a $1 surcharge to auto insurance policies to fund efforts to combat catalytic converter theft. 1470kyyw.com · abc13.com · www.gilmermirror.com · feeds.texastribune.org

Sources

Texas Halts State Funding For Flock Safety Camera Network After 30 Million Dollar Investigation [1470kyyw.com]

19 days ago

Lawmakers added $1 to Texans’ car insurance policies. That money paid for thousands of Flock cameras. [www.gilmermirror.com]

19 days ago

Gov. Greg Abbott blocks state agencies from spending money on Flock cameras [abc13.com]

19 days ago

How a $1 Texas insurance fee funded thousands of Flock cameras [feeds.texastribune.org]

19 days ago