Backlash against the use of Flock Safety automatic license plate readers has exploded in recent months. Now, two Houston cities are considering handing the issue directly to voters.
Starting Tuesday, leaders in League City will be voting on an ordinance that would place the use of Flock cameras on the Nov. 3 election ballot. Conroe officials have also weighed a similar measure and will be voting on a potential ballot provision on Thursday.
Both cities have until August 17 to add the measure to their ballots.
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Who should decide on Flock cameras?
As tensions mount on the use of the controversial cameras, is there a better way to go about its placement across Texas?
The proposals represent a shift in how decisions surrounding the use of license plate readers are typically made. In most communities, decisions over whether to deploy or terminate the use of the technology have rested with police departments and elected officials. Conroe and League City, however, could be the first Houston-area municipalities to change that.
League City seeks public opinion over immediate law change
While police agencies across the country have touted the cameras as an effective, crime-stopping tool, cases of officer abuse in areas like Baytown, Pasadena and Fort Bend have exacerbated privacy concerns, forcing municipalities into a corner of reconsideration.
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(Ricardo B. Brazziell/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images)
Austin American-Statesman/Hearst/Austin American-Statesman via Ge
"I completely understand why some people are wary of them," said League City Mayor Nick Long in a comment to the Houston Chronicle. "Nobody wants to live in a surveillance state. But on the other side, I do find them valuable and inexpensive."
"We need to strike a balance," Long said.
Under the proposed ordinance, League City voters would be asked:
"Should the League City Police Department continue using automated license plate reader cameras at fixed locations on public roadways for law enforcement purposes?"
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The proposal is a nonbinding advisory proposition, meaning it allows voters to express their opinion on a certain issue, but the outcome does not create a legal obligation for the city to act on.
Instead, the vote would primarily give city officials a gauge of public sentiment before deciding what action to take.
That distinction has already drawn questions from some residents.
"If the intent is to let the people decide, why doesn't the ordinance state what action the City will take if the voters approve or reject the proposition?" wrote resident Kimberly Gale.
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Long responded that the distinction between a binding and nonbinding measure would be discussed Tuesday. He also suggested the nonbinding approach could provide the city time to address its existing contract with Flock.
In Dec. 2023, League City entered into a five-year agreement with Flock Safety for the lease of 70 cameras at $899,601 for five years, leaving the city with a little over two more years on the contract.
It remains unclear what would be at stake if League City ultimately decided to terminate its contract.
In Syracuse, New York, where officials moved to replace Flock with another vendor, the company sent city leaders a letter warning that ending the agreement early could leave taxpayers paying for both systems, according to the Central Current.
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Chron has reached out to Flock Safety for comment regarding League City’s upcoming council vote.
Conroe flip-flops on potential Flock ballot item
Conroe's proposal would go further than League City's advisory measure.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 03: Cars drive by a Flock Safety camera mounted to a light pole on August 03, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras have been deployed in over 120,000 locations across 49 states, using artificial intelligence to identify vehicles by their license plates, make, model and color to help law enforcement investigate crimes, while also drawing criticism from privacy advocates over concerns about mass surveillance and the collection of motorists' location data. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Under the proposed ballot language, voters would decide whether the city should stop participating in and using an automatic license plate recognition system. If approved, the measure would take effect after the final tabulation of November's election results.
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Proposition A would ask:
"Shall the City of Conroe pass a Resolution ceasing the City's participation in and use of an automated license plate recognition camera system within the City and cease using of data collected for law enforcement purposes?"
However, not all five governing members of Conroe have signaled that they are on board.
"This is no longer about creating reasonable policy; it’s being perpetuated by bad actors and performative agitators. In my opinion, it is an anti-police campaign,” said Council Member Kristin Hoisington during a July 23 council meeting.
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The move to put Flock on the ballot was initially up for debate during the July council meeting, but was ultimately tabled upon Hoisington’s request.
Other council members have since apologized for the decision to table the vote.
"I made the wrong decision. I was too focused on keeping the peace and getting along with everyone on the dias instead of doing what I was elected to do," said Council Member David Hariel.
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"The question has never been whether you support or oppose Flock cameras. The question is whether the citizens of Conroe deserve a voice on an issue that affects our entire community," Hariel added.
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Hariel, along with Council Member Shana Arthur, spearheaded an effort to put the item back on the agenda for a vote.
"Hearing both sides of the issue is important. An informed community begins with open discussion, respectful dialogue, and citizen participation. We hope to see you there. Your voice matters," wrote Arthur on her Facebook page.
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The Conroe City Council will reconsider allowing voters to decide on Flock through a ballot measure at its Aug. 13 meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m.
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Aug 10, 2026
Multimedia reporter
Macy Meinhardt is a Multimedia reporter at Chron.com.