Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced a ban on using state grant funds administered by his office for automatic license plate readers, including Flock cameras and systems by Motorola Solutions and Axon Enterprise. The prohibition covers purchases, subscriptions, contracts, and renewals for systems that convert license plate images into computer-readable data.
Where
Statewide
When
Oct. 8, 2026 (announced Tuesday per sources published Oct. 12-14)
Sources
Reported by 7 outlets
Taxes and money
None stated in sources.
Coming up
Friday, January 1, 2027. Texas lawmakers expected to consider regulations for Flock and other ALPR systems.2
Who's involved
Don HuffinesTexas Comptroller
Greg AbbottTexas Governor
The facts
Comptroller Huffines announced a ban on using grant funds for Flock cameras and automated license plate readers.2
The ban covers purchases, subscriptions, contracts, equipment, services, and data platforms for vehicle-identification systems.23Stated by 2 sources
The restriction applies to systems offered by Flock Safety, Motorola Solutions, Axon Enterprise, and their affiliates and resellers.2
Prohibition covers future grants administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.24Stated by 2 sources
Recipients may not enter into, extend, or renew contracts for prohibited surveillance equipment using covered grant funds.2
Governor Abbott in September directed TxDOT to pause permit issuance for ALPR technology on state-owned roads.2
Midland City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to end their contract with Flock cameras.4
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Don Huffines Tracking where law-abiding Texans drive without a warrant violates the Fourth Amendment.234
Don Huffines Government's job is to protect liberty, not take it.2
How they headlined it
The same event, as each outlet put it. Marked words appear in only one outlet's headline.
‘It's not just Flock’ | Arlington group pushes for ban on all license plate reader technology
These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.
Texas A&M University-Victoria held an investiture ceremony Wednesday to celebrate President Christian Hardigree's first year of leadership and the university's first year in The Texas A&M University System. State and federal officials, university system leaders, and higher education representatives attended the event at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts.
Christian Hardigree, President of Texas A&M University-Victoria; AJ Louderback, Texas State Representative; Lois Kolkhorst, Texas State Senator and 4 more
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction barring unauthorized drones along the US-Mexico border up to 400 feet above ground, extending one nautical mile north of the border. The action addresses concerns about illegal drug shipments and cartel drone activity.
Federal Aviation Administration, Issued temporary flight restriction; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Stated military will shoot down cartel drones; Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Said restrictions will counter cartel drone threats and 1 more
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, was interviewed about her campaign. She is running to secure schools and put money in voters' pockets, and is challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
Two Texas county judge races are scheduled for the Nov. 3 election. In Bexar County, Republican Patrick Von Dohlen is challenging Democrat Ron Nirenberg. In Brazoria County, Republican Rob Giesecke, independent Lucinda Henry and Democrat Eugene Howard are running to replace retiring County Judge Matt Sebesta.
Patrick Von Dohlen, Republican candidate for Bexar County judge; Ron Nirenberg, Democrat candidate for Bexar County judge; Rob Giesecke, Republican candidate for Brazoria County judge and 3 more
County clerks and election administrators across Texas are implementing security procedures before early voting begins October 19. Travis County plans 201 voting locations on Election Day. Multiple counties conducted security training for poll workers.
Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado, Travis County Clerk; Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew, Bexar County Elections Administrator; Dallas County Elections Administrator Paul Adams, Dallas County Elections Administrator and 2 more
A body was found in Lady Bird Lake near Austin early Friday morning. Police were called for a welfare check after witnesses reported seeing a body floating in the water. The person was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is not being investigated as a homicide.
Austin Police Department, Investigating death; Austin Fire Department, Assisted with body recovery; Austin-Travis County EMS, Responded and pronounced person dead and 1 more
Democratic and Republican candidates released third-quarter campaign fundraising reports for the 2026 midterm elections. Democrat James Talarico's Texas Senate campaign raised $60 million between July and September, while Republican Ken Paxton's campaign raised about $10 million in the same period. Elon Musk's super PAC has heavily backed Paxton's campaign.
$$60 million for campaign funds raised, third quarter 2026
James Talarico, Democrat candidate for Texas Senate; Ken Paxton, Republican candidate for Texas Senate; Elon Musk, Tech billionaire and super PAC backer of Republican candidates
University of Texas senior linebacker Rasheem Biles was named one of 16 quarterfinalists for the Lott Impact Trophy, announced Thursday. The award goes to the defensive player with the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field.
Rasheem Biles, Texas senior linebacker; Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, award sponsor