Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies to pause funding for Flock Safety cameras, a notable turn in the fight over AI-powered license-plate readers.

The Texas Tribune reported that Abbott's office confirmed the order after the outlet examined how a state agency used grant money to expand Flock deployments for local police. Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris said cities receive most camera funding from the federal government, but Texas agencies are clarifying that state funds cannot be used for Flock cameras.

The Tribune reported that the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority helped state and local agencies install at least 3,200 Flock cameras since 2023, including nearly 1,200 for the Department of Public Safety under a three-year, $15.9 million contract. The grants came from a $1 fee added to Texas auto insurance policies under a 2023 law aimed at catalytic converter theft.

Flock's cameras photograph passing vehicles and use AI to detect identifying details such as vehicle make, model, color and other characteristics. Police departments can also share access across jurisdictions, making the network useful for investigations while raising privacy and oversight concerns.

Abbott's move follows a wave of scrutiny in Texas, including reports of officers being placed on leave, investigated or charged over alleged misuse of Flock systems. The policy does not ban local agencies from using the cameras, but it narrows state support for further expansion.