League City will present a referendum in November asking voters if the city should maintain its use of Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras. This decision follows a unanimous vote by the City Council to place the question on the ballot.
Currently, the police department operates 55 active cameras, with an additional 16 awaiting permits. The outcome of this vote is significant, as it may be one of the first instances in Texas where a city has allowed its residents to weigh in on such a program.
The referendum is non-binding, meaning the council will still have the authority to decide the program's fate after the vote.
Mayor Nick Long, who proposed the referendum, acknowledged both the effectiveness and privacy concerns associated with the cameras. He noted their role in solving serious crimes while also highlighting the potential for privacy violations.
The push for this referendum comes in light of recent reported misuse of Flock cameras in nearby cities, which has intensified discussions about privacy. Alongside the ballot measure, League City plans to establish an online portal for transparency regarding camera usage and create a citizens accountability committee for oversight.