Texas lawmakers add $1 surcharge to auto insurance to fund Flock camera program

The Texas Legislature approved a bill that will impose a modest surcharge on auto‑insurance policies to finance the statewide rollout of “flock” camera systems on commercial vehicles. Under the measure, insurers will collect a $3‑per‑policy fee, the proceeds of which will be channeled into a grant program administered by the Motor Vehicle Collision Prevention Association (MVCPA). The grants, earmarked for up to $500,000 per participating fleet, are intended to offset the cost of installing high‑definition dash and rear‑view cameras, technology that state officials say can reduce accidents, lower insurance claims, and improve driver accountability.

Proponents of the legislation, including the Texas Department of Transportation and several safety advocacy groups, argue that the camera network will generate real‑time data for traffic‑management centers and provide evidence in the event of collisions, thereby expediting investigations and settlements. Insurers have expressed cautious support, noting that the fee is expected to be offset by the anticipated decline in claim payouts. Opponents, primarily small‑fleet operators, raised concerns about the administrative burden and the potential for privacy infringements, but the bill includes provisions for data security and limits on footage usage. The program is slated to begin in the 2027 insurance year, with the first round of MVCPA grants to be awarded in early 2028.