87R1077 JRR-D

By: Sherman, Sr. H.B. No. 1639

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the use of body worn cameras by correctional officers.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 493, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 493.034 to read as follows:

Sec. 493.034. BODY WORN CAMERA POLICY. (a) In this section, "body worn camera" has the meaning assigned by Section 1701.651, Occupations Code.

(b) The department shall adopt a policy for the use of body worn cameras by correctional officers at facilities operated by or under contract with the department. The policy must require that each correctional officer be equipped with a body worn camera during the officer's shift and require each officer to keep the camera activated during the performance of the officer's duties.

SECTION 2. Section 511.009, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:

(f) The commission shall require the sheriff of each county to adopt a policy for the use of body worn cameras by correctional officers at each county jail within the sheriff's jurisdiction. A policy adopted under this subsection must require that each correctional officer be equipped with a body worn camera during the officer's shift and require each officer to keep the camera activated during the performance of the officer's duties. For purposes of this subsection, "body worn camera" has the meaning assigned by Section 1701.651, Occupations Code.

SECTION 3. (a) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice shall adopt the policy required by Section 493.034, Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2022.

(b) The Commission on Jail Standards shall require the sheriff of each county to adopt the policy required by Section 511.009(f), Government Code, as added by this Act, not later than January 1, 2022.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.