Abbott halts state Flock funding, but DPS retains vast surveillance network

Key points

• Abbott paused state funding for local Flock grants on Aug. 27, 2026, following reports that the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority used $30 million from a 2023 insurance fee to install over 3,200 cameras.
• The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will continue using its existing network of at least 940 cameras, pausing only new installations.
• DPS data is accessed by agencies across the US; a June review showed 48% of queries came from out-of-state agencies, including Florida and Georgia.
• Dallas City Council rejected a proposal to end its $1.5 million Flock contract, keeping 300 city-funded cameras active while shutting down 321 state-funded ones.
• El Paso announced it will stop using its 150 grant-funded cameras, while Killeen awaits guidance on its 76 cameras.

Background

In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed a $1 auto-insurance fee increase to combat catalytic converter theft, named for Deputy Darren Almendarez. The bill did not mention license plate readers. By 2026, the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority had directed at least $30 million of the $81 million raised from this fee toward Flock cameras, a system that creates AI-based vehicle fingerprints without search warrants. Prior to the funding pause, Texas was estimated to have 13,000 Flock cameras, the second-highest number in the nation after California.

How outlets are covering it

The Texas Tribune and KWTX highlight that while Abbott paused local grants, DPS retains its network, which is accessed by thousands of out-of-state agencies without formal agreements. GalvNews notes that local officials like Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli view the cameras as vital for crime deterrence, despite the funding source controversy. FOX 4 reports that Dallas City Council rejected a proposal to end Flock funding, with some members citing crime reduction benefits, while others like Adam Bazaldua cited abuse concerns. Rep. Brian Harrison and Rep. Mitch Little argue the use of the fee for surveillance violates the Fourth Amendment and was never intended by the Legislature. Conversely, DPS and Flock officials argue the technology is essential for solving crimes like catalytic converter theft and missing persons cases, with Flock claiming it helped locate over 10,000 missing persons last year.

Why it matters

The pause in state funding creates a fragmented surveillance landscape in Texas, where some cities cut cameras while others retain them. The continued use of DPS cameras by out-of-state agencies raises significant privacy and constitutional concerns, as data is shared without warrants or formal agreements. This situation highlights the tension between public safety and privacy rights, with potential legislative battles over the use of AI surveillance in the upcoming session.

What to watch

The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority is set to meet on Oct. 13 to discuss the impact of Abbott's order on its grants. DPS will begin limiting access to its Flock data to agencies with signed agreements. Lawmakers, including Rep. Brian Harrison and Rep. Mitch Little, plan to file bills next session to ban Flock cameras or require warrants for data access. Local agencies like Killeen are awaiting guidance on how to fund or maintain their existing camera systems.