The Court directed county offices to produce a comprehensive report on the county's use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, including locations, costs, administering agencies, and who has access to the data, with a presentation scheduled for October 15, 2026.

What it means for you

Harris County residents will have a future opportunity to learn detailed information about where and how ALPR surveillance cameras are used, who can access the data they collect, and how much the county has spent on them.

Outcome

A motion was made by County Judge Hidalgo, seconded by Commissioner Briones, to direct the Office of County Administration to work with the County Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Constable Offices, Purchasing, Auditor’s Office, and other relevant departments to (1) develop a comprehensive report on the current landscape of Harris County’s engagement with ALPRs and information on existing best practices for ALPR technology, if any exist, and (2) to return to Commissioners Court on 10/15/2026 for a presentation, discussion, and possible action. The report should include the following at minimum: • A summary of ALPR technology and its use in Harris County, included but not limited to the number and locations of all ALPRs in Harris County; • The total funding amount the County has authorized and spent under each agreement it has entered into for ALPR technology; • A summary of exactly which law enforcement agencies administer ALPRs in Harris County, how many devices each administers, and what administering entails in this context; and • The summary of exactly which external parties have access to data collected from ALPRs owned and administered by Harris County; how many times this data has been searched to date-by both internal and external parties-and for what purposes; and what other jurisdictions are doing to safeguard ALPR data. The motion carried by the following vote: (3-2)

How each member voted

3–2, per the official record.