League City is set to ask its voters in November whether to continue the use of Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras.
The City Council voted unanimously to place the question on the ballot, marking a significant moment as it is believed to be one of the first instances in Texas where a city has put its license plate reader program to a public vote.
The proposition will inquire if the city should maintain its current operation of 55 active cameras, with an additional 16 awaiting permits. Although the referendum is non-binding, the City Council retains the authority to make final decisions regarding the program.
Mayor Nick Long, who proposed the referendum, acknowledged both the effectiveness and the privacy concerns associated with the cameras. He stated that the technology has assisted in solving serious crimes but also raised issues regarding data privacy, particularly following resignations of police officers in nearby areas over alleged misuse of the cameras.
As part of the initiative, League City plans to create an online transparency portal to show how the cameras are utilized, along with establishing a citizens accountability committee for oversight. The outcome of this vote could influence other Texas cities that have implemented similar systems without public input.
