87R3927 SGM-D
 
  By: Talarico, White, Israel, Bucy, Patterson, H.B. No. 54
      et al.
 
  Substitute the following for H.B. No. 54:
 
  By:  Bowers C.S.H.B. No. 54
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to accompanying and filming peace officers of state and
  local law enforcement agencies for producing reality television
  programs.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 614, Government Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter M to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER M. ACCOMPANYING OR FILMING OF PEACE OFFICERS
         Sec. 614.231.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
               (1)  "Law enforcement agency" means an agency of this
  state or a political subdivision of this state that employs peace
  officers.
               (2)  "Reality television program" does not include
  reporting on a matter of public concern by a journalist as defined
  by Article 38.11, Code of Criminal Procedure.
         Sec. 614.232.  ACCOMPANYING AND FILMING PEACE OFFICERS FOR
  REALITY TELEVISION PROGRAM PROHIBITED. A law enforcement agency
  may not authorize a person to accompany and film a peace officer
  acting in the line of duty for the purpose of producing a reality
  television program.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2021.