Texas funded 3,200 Flock surveillance cameras through a $1 insurance fee billed as catalytic converter theft prevention

A $1 surcharge on Texas insurance policies, marketed as a catalytic converter theft deterrent, served as the primary funding source for over $30 million in Flock AI surveillance camera purchases across the state. At least 3,200 cameras were deployed via 95 state grants to law enforcement agencies. Most policyholders were unaware they were underwriting an ALPR surveillance network. Governor Abbott froze state spending on Flock cameras on August 28, 2026.