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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the use of body worn cameras by correctional officers. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 493, Government Code, is amended by |
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adding Section 493.035 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 493.035. BODY WORN CAMERA POLICY. (a) In this |
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section, "body worn camera" has the meaning assigned by Section |
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1701.651, Occupations Code. |
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(b) The department shall adopt a policy for the use of body |
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worn cameras by correctional officers at facilities operated by or |
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under contract with the department. The policy must require that |
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each correctional officer be equipped with a body worn camera |
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during the officer's shift and require each officer to keep the |
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camera activated during the performance of the officer's duties. |
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SECTION 2. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall |
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adopt the policy required by Section 493.035, Government Code, as |
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added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2024. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |