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Austin City Council to Regulate Surveillance Technology Use
Proposed TRUST Act would create framework to balance public safety and privacy concerns
Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:31pm
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The Austin City Council is planning to ask the city manager to amend the city code to include rules and regulations for the use of surveillance technology by any city department. The proposed TRUST Act resolution would direct the city manager to create an ordinance establishing a comprehensive framework to govern how surveillance technologies are adopted, funded, deployed, and reviewed by city departments.
Why it matters
The move comes after concerns were raised by community members over privacy, data collection, and oversight following a proposal by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department to expand surveillance in city parks. The TRUST Act aims to balance legitimate public safety needs with strong protections for privacy and civil liberties.
The details
The TRUST Act would require city departments to get council approval before acquiring or using surveillance technology, except in exigent circumstances. It would also prohibit the use of facial recognition technology, AI or machine learning tools inconsistent with city policy, and the collection of data for marketing or product development purposes. Additionally, the city manager would be required to submit an Annual Surveillance Report to the city council.
- The TRUST Act resolution is scheduled to be discussed at the Austin City Council meeting on February 5, 2026.
- The city manager is asked to return to the council with the proposed ordinance by March 24, 2026.
The players
Austin City Council
The governing body of the City of Austin, Texas, responsible for enacting laws and regulations.
T.C. Broadnax
The City Manager of Austin, Texas, who would be tasked with creating the ordinance regulating surveillance technology use.
José 'Chito' Vela
The Austin City Council's Mayor Pro Tem, who sponsored the TRUST Act resolution.
What’s next
The Austin City Council is expected to vote on the TRUST Act resolution at their February 5, 2026 meeting. If approved, the city manager will be directed to create the proposed ordinance and return to the council with it by March 24, 2026.
The takeaway
This move by the Austin City Council reflects growing concerns among communities about the use of surveillance technology and the need to balance public safety with privacy and civil liberties. The proposed TRUST Act aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern how surveillance technologies are deployed and reviewed by the city.
