Texas Halts Flock Camera Funding | Austin News

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted all state funding for Flock cameras, citing misuse and privacy concerns after $30 million was spent installing them across the state — money originally meant to fight catalytic converter theft. With over 3,200 cameras deployed since 2023 through a controversial agency tied closely to Abbott, the move follows mounting scrutiny, including a high-profile case in Lufkin where an officer faces 100+ charges for allegedly surveilling 11 people for over a year. Six police departments have now investigated similar misconduct. As lawmakers from both parties sound alarms — with Rep. Gina Hinojosa calling it “warrantless surveillance” and Rep. Keith Self pushing for federal warrant requirements — Abbott vows to dramatically scale back use unless strictly responsible. The debate over AI-powered cameras underscores a national tension: public safety vs. individual privacy. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6f297accdfc3b257