Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced a ban on the use of state grant money to buy or contract for Flock cameras, automated license plate readers, and other vehicle-identification systems that convert license plate images into computer-readable data.
“The government has no business tracking where law-abiding Texans drive. Doing it without a warrant is a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution,” Huffines said. “Texans should be able to drive to work, to church, or to the grocery store without a government camera logging it in a database.
“I am humbled and honored to do my part to restore liberty and stop the erosion of freedoms that are constantly being taken from Texans. Government’s job is to protect your liberty, not take it. No spy cameras.”
These requirements will apply to all future grants administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The agency will incorporate the restriction into all relevant grant solicitations and agreements going forward.
Under the ban, grantees may not obligate or expend grant funds to procure or obtain prohibited surveillance equipment or services, or to enter into, extend, or renew a contract to procure or obtain them. Prohibited surveillance equipment or services include any system, software, or computer algorithm, whether used independently or in combination with one or more mobile or fixed automated cameras, that converts license plates or other images into computer readable data.
This includes, but is not limited to, cameras, sensors, software, subscriptions, and data platforms marketed, sold, or operated by any entityidentification systems meeting this definition.
This past September, Abbott ordered an immediate pause on all state agency funding for Flock Safety technology. Huffines’ action goes further and explicitly The ban does not stop law enforcement agencies from using city, county or federal funds for the purchase and use of the automated license-plate readers.
Opponants of systems such as Flock and similiar technology have raised privacy concerns, citing cases of alleged misuse by law enforcement officers.
The decision marks a major policy shift regarding the funding of widespread vehicle surveillance across Texas.