New Texas Bill Would Prevent Bystanders From Recording Cops

[Unknown Beatle]

A bill introduced in the Texas House of Representatives would make it illegal for private citizens to record police within 25 feet.

House Bill 2918, introduced by state Rep. Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) on Tuesday, would make the offense a misdemeanor. Citizens who are armed would not be permitted to record police activity within 100 feet of an officer, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Only representatives of radio or TV organizations that hold an FCC license, newspapers and magazines would have the right to record police. The legislator disagreed with people on Twitter who said he's seeking to make all filming of cops illegal.

"My bill ... just asks filmers to stand back a little so as not to interfere with law enforcement," Villalba tweeted.

The bill would go against precedent set in 2011 by an appeals court, which found that citizens are allowed to record police, according to the ACLU.

More: Crooks and Liars

[GeorgeGist]

1. Ignorant fucks representing ignorant fucks.

Quelle surprise.

[ScreamingMeemie]

20. I'd feel better if you said "protecting" instead of "representing."

The majority of Texans are not police officers, so they are not "representing" us, and I am not an "ignorant fuck." Thank you.

[hifiguy]

2. Gee, I wonder what motivated that moran

to introduce such a blatantly unconstitutional measure. I just wonder....

[Nuclear Unicorn]

3. They're our cops.

We paid for them, we outfitted them using our money, we own the laws they enforce.

If they serve they serve at our pleasure.

[msongs]

4. organized crime doesnt like being videoed nt

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

5. They should call it the police enhanced target practice bill

Who could possibly object to our law enforcement authorities getting in all the unobstructed target practice they can possibly get?

[Downwinder]

6. Our local paper does not have a photographer

on staff anymore. They just get photos from individuals.

[Glassunion]

9. I recall not too long ago a call in Ill, for the government to license journalists.

If you didn't work for a MSM outlet, you could be denied privileges and rights afforded to journalists.

[guillaumeb]

7. if the police are following the law

they should WELCOME the taping. It could work to their advantage.

IF they are following the law, that is.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

8. AS long as cops like in Ferguson and this last one are executing black folk for no reason, then

yes, videotaping is bad.


Just wait, you stupid fucking racist kochsucking dumbshits, your day is coming

You think cops are gonna put up with your shit when you are homeless, which you will be soon

no, they wont

[Hoyt]

10. I like the idea of gun toters having to stay 100 feet away. Heck they ought to

require gun toters to remain at least that far away from all citizens.

Nor do I have a problem saying a person can't MOVE IN closer than 25 feet to record something. No question that police need to be held accountable, but they don't need people getting into the middle of a dangerous situation either. If they are already that close, i'd be against charges.

[marym625]

11. This is outrageous

And I am sure that the guy that is getting everyone to record police is part of the reason

[Faryn Balyncd]

12. 25 feet would make many circumstances impossible to record.

such as inside houses, from inside a car when an officer approaches, and would allow an officer to stop anyone from videoing (or turn it into a crime) simply by approaching or questioning them.

[herding cats]

13. This goes against Glik v. Cunniffe

If they do pass this it will be appealed on it's first use and tossed out.

What I don't get is why citizens aren't up in arms over their lawmakers wasting tax dollars on legislation such as this which goes against already established law?

[Glassunion]

16. Because wheel of fortune is on the teevee.

Priorities and all.

[ThoughtCriminal]

14. The Scott video should be the only testimony required

to kill this idea instantly. But, we're talking Texas Republicans here so...

[muntrv]

15. Hey Jason! If they have done nothing wrong, they have nothing to hide.

[flamin lib]

17. This is a direct response to Open Carry Tarrant County and a guy named Kory Watkins.

He set up "cop watch" which recorded every police interaction with civilians as close as possible while wearing an AK 47 over his shoulder. In one instance he tried to sue the Arlington PD for threatening him with a car while he stood in the street taping a traffic stop.

Not saying the proposed law is good, just giving background. I owe Kory a vote of thanks for singlehandedly defeating "Constitutional Carry" by threatening TX legislators with death over being "traitors to the Constitution". Search YouTube for Kory Watkins.

[Hoyt]

22. Good point. I don't believe police should have to worry about some yahoo like this while trying to

handle a situation. It doesn't help. I'm fine with filming, and all police should wear a video cam, but armed yahoos like this are not helping anything.

[MrMickeysMom]

18. Hey… no problem- just get an FCC license and you're in!

Stand back! Law enforcement going on here…

[samsingh]

19. this is intended to let police murder innocent black men and minorities

[OldRedneck]

21. I guess this clown has never seen . . .

I guess this clown has never seen the almost palm-sized video cameras with 52X zoom!!

Sony, Canon, Samsung . . . go to Amazon or eBay and stock up!!!!!!!