The Texas Department of Transportation has stopped issuing permits for Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers on state roads, KPRC 2 reports.
The pause took effect September 8 at the direction of Governor Greg Abbott, following his order in late August blocking state funding for the cameras on privacy grounds. It applies to new permit approvals and to agreements that have not yet been approved. Existing installations stay in place, including more than 900 cameras operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
KPRC 2 reports that roughly 13,000 Flock cameras were operating across Texas in August, and that cities and counties around the state have since removed devices. The article does not address whether any Harris County or City of Houston installations are affected.
The technology has been a running local story. Harris County has paid Flock $1.3 million since 2023, above the original contract amount, and the Houston Police Department reported 74 Flock cameras vandalized in the city this year.
