87R7735 ADM-D
 
  By: Jetton, Sherman, Sr., Sanford, et al. H.B. No. 1938
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to a grant program for law enforcement agencies to defray
  the cost of data storage for recordings created with body worn
  cameras.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter N, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
  amended by adding Section 1701.6521 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1701.6521.  GRANTS FOR BODY WORN CAMERA DATA STORAGE.
  (a) A law enforcement agency in this state that provides body worn
  cameras to its peace officers may apply to the office of the
  governor for a grant to defray the cost of data storage for
  recordings created with the body worn cameras.
         (b)  The grant program established by this section may be
  funded by federal funds or by gifts, grants, and donations.
         SECTION 2.  Sections 1701.658(a), (b), and (c), Occupations
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  If a law enforcement agency receives a grant under
  Section 1701.652 [this subchapter], a peace officer who is employed
  by the agency and who is on duty may only use a body worn camera that
  is issued and maintained by that agency.
         (b)  Notwithstanding any previous policies, an agency may
  not allow its peace officers to use privately owned body worn
  cameras after receiving a grant described by this section [under
  this subchapter].
         (c)  A peace officer who is employed by a law enforcement
  agency that has not received a grant described by this section or
  who has not otherwise been provided with a body worn camera by the
  agency that employs the officer may operate a body worn camera that
  is privately owned only if permitted by the employing agency.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.