From Texastribune · · 1m 10s
Texas lawmakers propose banning Flock camera grants
Texas lawmakers aim to end state funding for Flock surveillance cameras after public backlash.
In brief
Texas lawmakers aim to end state funding for Flock surveillance cameras after public backlash. Texas lawmakers proposed legislation to block state agency grants for Flock cameras following public opposition and concerns over surveillance. Originally reported by Texastribune.
Senate proposes Flock funding ban
Democrats in the Texas Senate proposed legislation to ban state agency grants for Flock surveillance cameras.
Flock camera funding details
The bill would block the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority from offering financial assistance for roadside automated license plate readers.
2023 insurance fee funding
In 2023, a bill added a $1 annual fee to Texans’ auto insurance policies to fund programs combating catalytic converter theft.
Flock camera installation
The authority spent over $30 million on installing at least 3,200 Flock cameras across Texas roadways.
Surveillance network impact
The network was accessed an average of once every four seconds by thousands of law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Public opposition to Flock
Public sentiment for the cameras has soured, leading cities and counties to end Flock contracts for hundreds of cameras.
Gov.-elect Hinojosa opposes Flock
Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa called the vehicle authority’s actions to spread cameras without legislative approval 'egregious'.
“What should really happen is they should be taken down and taxpayers should get their money back for this fiasco”
What matters most
Texas lawmakers proposed legislation to block state agency grants for Flock cameras following public opposition and concerns over surveillance.