Texas Governor Abbott Halts New Permits for Automated License Plate Readers Amid Privacy Concerns
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the state's transportation department to cease issuing permits for new Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers (ALPRs) along state highways. This decision comes after increasing scrutiny and privacy concerns surrounding the roadside surveillance technology. While existing devices, including over 900 used by the Department of Public Safety, will remain operational, projects that have been approved but not yet installed are now frozen. Governor Abbott's decision in late August to halt state funding for Flock cameras, which had amounted to over $30 million for more than 3,200 devices statewide, preceded this directive. The technology logs every passing license plate into searchable databases, leading to accusations of misuse, including officers allegedly using them to stalk individuals. Conversely, proponents argue that these systems are crucial for solving crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and locating missing persons.
