Texas agency suspends Flock camera approvals - KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com

The suspension comes under direction from Governor Greg Abbott and covers Flock cameras or similar devices placed by third parties on TxDOT-regulated roads. A TxDOT spokesperson told NewsNation the agency's job is limited to reviewing permits to make sure the cameras get installed correctly and safely. TxDOT does not collect or access any data the cameras gather. Local law enforcement agencies are the ones requesting camera placement in the first place.

That distinction matters here. Flock cameras have shown up across Texas as a tool for police departments tracking stolen vehicles and running plates against alert lists, and Lubbock has followed that same trend as departments statewide lean on the technology. With TxDOT pausing new approvals, any local law enforcement agency looking to add cameras along state roadways is now stuck waiting until the state sorts out its concerns.

For regular folks in Lubbock, the pause does not rip out any cameras already up and running. It just freezes new ones from going in on state-owned roads until TxDOT changes course. Texans have watched this fight over license plate readers and data privacy play out nationwide, and now it's their state's turn to hit the brakes.