After Abbott blocks funding, Texas lawmakers move to curb license-plate readers

After Abbott blocks funding, Texas lawmakers move to curb license-plate readers by Alexia Stanbridge Thu, November 12, 2026 at 10:01 AM Updated Thu, November 12, 2026 at 11:34 AM 6 VIEW ALL PHOTOS A close-up view of a Flock camera. (Photo by Charles-McClintock Wilson/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Comment on this story 1 Comment Share story Share topics: Texas License-plate readers Abbott Flock Police House bills Data privacy Warrants AUSTIN, Texas — A growing debate at the Texas Capitol could determine whether police and other government agencies in Texas can continue using automated license-plate reader cameras, including systems made by Flock. The cameras capture license plate and vehicle images, along with a vehicle’s make and color, the plate number and state, and they record when and where a vehicle was seen, according to Flock. Two bills filed in the Texas House would take different approaches to restricting the technology. Democratic Rep. John Bucy’s House Bill 331 would ban government use of the readers. Republican Rep. Brian Harrison’s House Bill 8471 would allow police to use them with a warrant or court order, limiting the data to investigations of certain violent crimes. ALSO| CDC eliminates $29 million for HIV prevention in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has already blocked state funding for Flock cameras. Several local communities pulled back in September. The debate has drawn strong opinions from law enforcement and local officials. Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association, said in September, “If the cameras aren't there, aren't available, we don't know what else could've happened.” Diane Williams, Liberty Hill’s mayor pro tem, also said in September, “It is unfortunate that the good this technology, as highlighted by some, can perform in the hands of our police department, I fear that it's outweighed by the harm that it permits in the wrong hands.” Flock has said customers control data sharing and that searches are logged for audits. Ten Central Texas communities have already ended or paused use of the cameras. Most recently, Taylor announced its contract termination this month. Liberty Hill, Bastrop, Leander, Manor, Elgin and Pflugerville took action in August or September. Last year, Austin, San Marcos and Hays County ended their contracts. Supporters and localities that still use the cameras say the technology helps solve crimes. Lawmakers are continuing to consider the proposals. Trending Mobile dog groomer, puppy found dead in van on Far Northwest Side Mobile dog groomer, puppy found dead in van on Far Northwest Side GLP-1 weight loss drugs can cause blindness GLP-1 weight loss drugs can cause blindness Man shot after threatening driver with a hammer and axe Man shot after threatening driver with a hammer and axe New York City collapse: 2 dead, over 10 injured including 7 children; situation 'unstable' New York City collapse: 2 dead, over 10 injured including 7 children; situation 'unstable' Family of five killed after SUV leaves wet I-10 overpass in Seguin, parents identified Rain-slicked IH-10 in Seguin turned deadly when a Chevrolet Tahoe left an overpass near FM 725, killing a Porter family of five, including three children. FM 725 was shut for hours as police investigate. NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 6 After Abbott blocks funding, Texas lawmakers move to curb license-plate readers 3 Death penalty decision delayed for mother accused of killing two children in burning SUV 4 San Antonio boy goes viral for singing 'God Bless America' to a bald eagle 14 Mobile dog groomer, puppy found dead in van on Far Northwest Side