Conroe City Council vote falls short of putting Flock camera question on November ballot

CONROE, Texas – The Conroe City Council voted late Thursday night on whether to place a binding proposition about the city’s Flock Safety license plate reader cameras on the November ballot, but the motion did not get the three “yes” votes needed to advance.

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Council members discussed whether the issue should go to voters without a signature petition meeting the city’s requirements. Council Member John Sellars warned it could set a “slippery slope” to put the measure on the ballot without the necessary signatures, prompting a back-and-forth with Council Member David Hairel about what should be required.

In the end, Hairel and Council Member Shana Arthur were the only members who supported placing it on the ballot. The city faces an Aug. 17 deadline to place items on the November ballot.

Conroe has more than 50 Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. Supporters say they help police investigations, but critics argue they raise privacy concerns.