Gov. Greg Abbott Cuts State Funding for AI-Powered Flock Cameras in Texas

State Grant Reversal Targets AI-Powered Surveillance Networks

State grants have historically helped police departments deploy automated license plate readers across Texas, but that financial pipeline is drying up. According to an announcement from Governor Abbott’s office, state agencies have been ordered to halt funding for Flock cameras. Andrew Mahaleris, an Abbott spokesperson, stated that a statewide crackdown is underway, though the specific administrative mechanisms, timelines, and impacts on previously awarded grants remain undefined by the governor’s office.

The policy shift arrives as municipal leaders across North Texas and beyond rethink their reliance on the technology. Surveillance systems provided by Flock Safety photograph passing vehicles, utilizing artificial intelligence to log specific details including make, model, color, and unique exterior features like bumper stickers or vehicle damage. Law enforcement agencies then access these pooled databases to track vehicles and investigate crimes. Yet, the sprawling scope of these networks has alarmed privacy advocates and elected officials alike.

Local Backlash and Criminal Investigations Fuel Policy Shift

Public pushback against automated license plate readers has accelerated following high-profile legal controversies. Abbott’s office explicitly cited the indictment of a Lufkin police officer on 100 felony counts tied to the alleged misuse of Flock information, alongside active criminal investigations into similar surveillance practices in other jurisdictions. These developments have transformed the technology from a routine municipal purchase into a polarizing political debate.

Communities are responding by dismantling their surveillance infrastructure. In North Texas, the Pflugerville City Council voted unanimously to terminate its agreement with Flock, shutting down all 28 automated readers and disabling network access. Similarly, the Hood County Commissioners Court voted to end its relationship with the vendor, directing workers to disconnect and physically cover the county’s cameras pending complete removal.

Funding Streams and Municipal Reliance in Dallas

While the governor’s directive targets state agency funds, the broader financial architecture supporting automated readers remains complex. According to Abbott’s office, the vast majority of camera funding originates from federal sources or municipal budgets rather than direct state appropriations. Nevertheless, state-level grants have played a crucial role in expansion efforts for major metropolitan police departments.

In Dallas, where police inventory lists more than 670 operational cameras, local funding has leaned heavily on specialized state grants. In May 2025, the Dallas City Council approved a three-year, $5.7 million contract with Flock Safety. That expenditure included nearly $1.7 million drawn directly from the city’s Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority catalytic-converter grant fund. That specific state grant program, housed within the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, derives its revenue from fees levied on automobile insurance policies to combat vehicle theft and related property crimes. When asked whether these specific anti-crime funds were barred under the new directive, Abbott’s office confirmed the restriction applies to all state agency funds.

Despite the state-level funding freeze, local implementation details continue to evolve. Dallas police officials stated that the department had not received direct correspondence from the governor’s office regarding the enforcement mechanism as of late August 2026. Meanwhile, Flock Safety announced new system safeguards earlier in the month, introducing mandatory database search justifications and expanding auditing tools designed to flag improper officer queries. Paris Lewbel, a spokesperson for Flock Safety, defended the technology as an essential public safety instrument.

We support thoughtful legislation and strong privacy, transparency, and accountability guardrails that ensure technology is used responsibly while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use effective tools to keep people safe, Lewbel said in a statement provided to media outlets.