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Gov. Abbott blocks state agencies from funding Flock cameras

techAug 28, 202650231

Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all state agencies to pause spending on Flock AI license-plate reader cameras as scrutiny of the devices mounted. The Texas Tribune reported the order arrived as it prepared to publish an investigation showing a state agency has provided at least $30 million in grants to local police to build the Flock surveillance network. Reporting also shows some police agencies have used opioid settlement funds and a small fee hike to pay for thousands of Flock cameras. The pause halts further state agency funding while the reporting and public scrutiny continue, and it prompted criticism from opponents who had been campaigning against expanded Flock deployments.

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