The higher fee, meant to combat catalytic converter theft, provided millions to expand the Flock network across Texas. Some lawmakers say that wasn’t the intent.
The bill was named after Harris County Deputy Darren Almendarez, who was shot and killed after interrupting catalytic converter thieves in a grocery store parking lot in 2023.
The vote was unanimous. Representative Brian Harrison, who voted for the bill, stated: “I can’t imagine it would have gotten unanimous support,” indicating the bill passed with all lawmakers in favor. The Texas Tribune
While the exact bill number wasn’t provided in the available sources, the bill was approved in 2023 to add an additional $1 to Texans’ car insurance policies. The source indicates Rep. Brian Harrison voted for it and later expressed regret, saying he was unaware the funds would be redirected to Flock surveillance cameras, which he views as warrantless surveillance.
Which translates to amoral cockscum legal tools into common parlance.