Beyond the 806
Texas Governor Abbott halts state agency funding for Flock cameras — The Hill - UA.NEWS
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock roadside surveillance cameras Thursday, halting a statewide network as reports surfaced of possible improper use of data collected by the system. The move came the same evening the Texas Tribune was preparing to publish an investigation into how those cameras were funded across the state.
The move came the same evening the Texas Tribune was preparing to publish an investigation into how those cameras were funded across the state. The Tribune had already reported that the Texas Legislature in 2023 authorized an increase in auto insurance costs to pay for the purchase and maintenance of 3,200 Flock cameras statewide. That means drivers here in Lubbock, like everyone else paying auto insurance in Texas, were already footing part of that bill.
Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris confirmed that nearly all Flock cameras in Texas are purchased through that funding mechanism. The concerns driving Abbott's decision center on reports of possible improper data use, though the full scope of what that means has not been detailed publicly.
For people here, this matters beyond the surveillance question. If the funding mechanism tied to auto insurance was already in motion, it raises the question of what happens to money already collected and cameras already installed before Thursday's order.
Common questions
Why did Governor Abbott stop funding for Flock cameras?
- Abbott ordered the halt after reports surfaced of possible improper use of data collected by the cameras. The move came the same evening the Texas Tribune was preparing to publish an investigation into how the statewide Flock camera network was funded and operated.
Does Abbott's order mean the Flock cameras are being removed?
- The order stops state agency funding for the cameras but the article does not confirm cameras are being physically removed. Abbott's spokesperson confirmed nearly all Flock cameras in Texas were purchased through the state insurance funding mechanism that has now been halted.
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