AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced Tuesday, October 13, new restrictions preventing certain state grant funds from being used to purchase Flock Safety cameras and other automated license plate readers.
The policy prohibits the use of future grants administered by the Texas Comptroller’s Office to purchase, contract for, extend or renew services involving automated license plate recognition systems.
The restrictions also cover camera subscriptions, software, sensors and data platforms that convert license plate images into searchable, computer-readable information.
In the official announcement, Huffines criticized the use of the technology to monitor drivers, citing concerns about privacy and constitutional protections.
“The government has no business tracking where law-abiding Texans drive,” Huffines said.
What the New Restrictions Cover
According to the Comptroller’s Office, the restrictions will be incorporated into future grant applications and agreements administered by the agency.
Organizations receiving affected grants will not be allowed to use that money to:
- Purchase automated license plate readers or related surveillance equipment.
- Pay for software, subscriptions or data services associated with the technology.
- Enter into new contracts or extend or renew existing contracts for prohibited systems.
The policy specifically identifies Flock Safety, Motorola Solutions and Axon Enterprise, along with other companies offering technology that meets the state’s definition of automated license plate recognition or vehicle-identification systems.
Does This Mean Flock Cameras Are Banned in Texas?
No. The announcement restricts how certain state grant funds may be spent. It does not impose a statewide ban on operating Flock cameras.
The restrictions apply to future grants administered by the Comptroller’s Office, not automatically to every state grant or existing local government contract.
Cities and law enforcement agencies may still be able to operate automated license plate readers using other legally available funding sources.
The announcement also does not direct local governments to remove cameras already installed.
Why the State Is Taking Action
Automated license plate readers photograph vehicles and use software to identify plate numbers and other vehicle characteristics. Law enforcement agencies use the information to help locate stolen vehicles, identify wanted suspects and assist criminal investigations.
However, the technology has also raised concerns about the collection and sharing of information involving drivers who are not suspected of crimes.
Huffines described the new restrictions as an effort to protect Texans’ privacy and limit government surveillance.
The policy represents a change in how the Comptroller’s Office will distribute future grant funding for the technology.
The restrictions will apply to future grants administered by the agency, with the requirements included in relevant grant solicitations and agreements going forward.
Residents can read the full announcement on the Texas Comptroller’s official website.
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