TBR Comment: We are all for the police having room to do their duties. But this Bill interferes with the rights of free speech and citizen journalist. It further fans the flames that the police, government entities at all levels and the media can't be trusted to provide transparency and truth. This politician and Joe Straus should be getting phone calls from us all (see Villalba info below).
It just may be the citizen journalist that catches a criminal sniper in the act of shooting at police. The more eyes the better for them in our book.
Its ironic that government / police agencies are so infatuated with spying on the citizens using every electronic gadget they can find (from space even), they in turn don't want us looking at them with a camera..
Law enforcement should realize its the federal government that is their enemy. Not the every day citizen that's trying to do what the media won't. Its up to us to try and make sure everyone stays honest in a dishonest world. Until that happens we will continue to fight for every tool we can use, including video cameras..
The media is changing, it's not the fools that stand knee deep in flood waters and hurricanes then lie to you with a perfect face and smile.
Wake Up America!
HB2918 Relating to the prosecution of the offense of interference with public duties; increasing a penalty...
Andy Campbell
The Huffington Post
March 13, 2015
A bill introduced to the Texas House of Representatives would make it illegal for private citizens to record police within 25 feet.
House Bill 2918, introduced by Texas 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.
Texas Rep. Jason Villalba (R-Dallas)
District: 114
Capitol Office: EXT E2.404
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0576
District Address: 10210 North Central Expressway, Suite 220
Dallas, TX 75231
District Phone: (214) 363-8700
Rep. Straus, Joe
District 121
Email
Capitol Address:
Room 2W.13
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
(512) 463-1000
(512) 463-0675 Fax
District Address:
7373 Broadway,
Suite 202-A
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 828-4411
(210) 832-9994 Fax
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