Comptroller Don Huffines announced a ban on using grant funds administered by his office to purchase or contract for Flock cameras, automated license plate readers, and other covered vehicle-identification systems.
The restriction targets technology that converts license plate images or other images into computer-readable data. It covers equipment and services, including cameras, sensors, software, subscriptions, and data platforms.
“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 Tuesday. “Texans should be able to drive to work, to church, or to the grocery store without a government camera logging it in a database.”
The comptroller’s office will incorporate the restriction into relevant grant solicitations and agreements going forward.
Under the policy, recipients may not commit or spend covered grant funds to acquire prohibited surveillance equipment or services. They also may not use the funds to enter into, extend, or renew contracts for those systems.
The prohibition is not limited to Flock Safety products. It also covers qualifying automated license plate recognition and vehicle-identification systems offered by Motorola Solutions, Axon Enterprise, and other providers, including their affiliates and resellers.
Huffines framed the restriction as an effort to protect Texans’ privacy and limit government surveillance.
“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,” he said. “Government’s job is to protect your liberty, not take it. No spy cameras.”
Flock cameras and other ALPR systems have come under immense scrutiny in Texas. In September, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Transportation to pause permit issuance for ALPR technology on state-owned roads.
Texas lawmakers are expected to consider potential regulations for Flock and other ALPR systems during the 2027 legislative session.
