By: Jetton, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Kolkhorst) H.B. No. 1938

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 3, 2021; May 10, 2021, read first time and referred to Committee on Jurisprudence; May 21, 2021, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 5, Nays 0; May 21, 2021, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

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.

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