League City has decided to ask its voters in November whether to continue using Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras. The City Council unanimously voted to place this question on the ballot, marking a significant moment as it is believed to be among the first instances in Texas where a city has sought voter input on its license plate reader program.
The ballot will inquire if the city should maintain its use of Flock's cameras, which currently number 55, with an additional 16 pending permits from the Texas Department of Transportation. Although the referendum is non-binding, the City Council will still hold the ultimate authority to make decisions regarding the program after the vote.
Mayor Nick Long, who proposed the referendum, acknowledged both the effectiveness and the privacy concerns associated with the cameras. He stated that the cameras have aided in solving serious crimes but also raised issues about data privacy.
This move follows reported incidents of misuse of Flock cameras in nearby areas, which prompted discussions about privacy in League City. In addition to the referendum, the city plans to establish an online transparency portal and a citizens accountability committee to oversee the cameras' use. The outcome of this vote will be significant, as it will reflect public sentiment on similar systems used across Texas.
