Texas Prohibits State Grant Use for License Plate Tracking Systems

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines signed an executive order prohibiting state grant money from being used for Flock cameras and other license plate trackers. The order prevents cities and police departments from using state grant funds to purchase these devices or renew contracts with providers of license plate reading systems. The requirement applies to all future grants administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

The order restricts how state funds can be spent on surveillance technology across Texas. This action impacts companies that provide license plate reading systems, including Flock Safety, Axon Enterprise, Inc., and Motorola Solutions, Inc. The move follows nationwide public concern regarding the privacy implications of these tracking devices.