87R1073 JRR-D
 
  By: Sherman, Sr. H.B. No. 1638
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to requiring security cameras in common areas of
  facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Government Code, is
  amended by adding Section 501.028 to read as follows:
         Sec. 501.028.  SECURITY CAMERAS REQUIRED IN COMMON AREAS.
  (a) The department shall install and maintain security cameras in
  each common area of a facility operated by the department. This
  subsection does not apply to any area of a facility where an inmate
  has a reasonable expectation of privacy, including an inmate's cell
  or a restroom or shower.
         (b)  Security cameras required by Subsection (a) must be:
               (1)  capable of capturing and transmitting high quality
  video; and
               (2)  positioned in a manner to eliminate blind spots in
  the common areas.
         SECTION 2.  The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is not
  required to comply with the requirements of Section 501.028,
  Government Code, as added by this Act, until September 1, 2023.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.