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2 clusters · 7 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Texas state funding pause for Flock surveillance cameras

Overview

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies to halt and pause funding for Flock Safety AI-powered surveillance cameras. This decision follows investigations revealing that the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority used at least $30 million in state funds—sourced from a $1 auto insurance surcharge intended to combat catalytic converter theft—to expand the surveillance network.

Reports indicate that approximately 2,000 license plate readers were purchased through the authority, with an additional $15.9 million provided to the Texas Department of Public Safety to acquire roughly 1,200 more cameras. While law enforcement agencies defend the technology for its ability to reduce crime clearance times and intercept stolen vehicles, critics argue the network threatens Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Although state-level funding for these systems has been paused, officials noted that many municipalities may continue to utilize federal funds for such technology.

Entities

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

Timeline

  1. 17 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Texas Governor pauses funding for Flock surveillance cameras

    Governor Greg Abbott is pausing state funding for Flock surveillance cameras after reports showed a $1 auto insurance fee funded over $30 million in license plate reader technology across Texas.

  2. 19 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Texas Governor Abbott halts state funding for Flock surveillance cameras

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a pause on state funding for Flock Safety AI surveillance cameras following reports that $30 million in insurance surcharge fees were used to expand the network.

Sources

1470kyyw.com · abc13.com · americanfaith.com · gilmermirror.com · insurancejournal.com · jalopnik.com · texastribune.org