Texas Governor Abbott blocks funding for more Flock cameras

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted state spending on Flock's AI surveillance cameras as scrutiny of the technology grows. A Texas Tribune investigation found the state spent more than $30 million on the cameras, largely funded by a $1 fee added to insurance policies meant to combat catalytic converter theft.

The move reflects mounting bipartisan concern over AI surveillance tools that can expand quickly through law enforcement procurement with limited public debate. It also signals rising political risk for surveillance vendors as questions grow around misuse, transparency, and dedicated funding streams.