Texas Lawmaker Wants Strict Limits on Recording Video of Police Activity

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Republican Texas lawmaker wants to create strict buffer zones between police and "independent bloggers" who record police activity.

A bill by Dallas Rep. Jason Villalba's would make it a Class B misdemeanor for anyone but news media to record police within 25 feet, or within 100 feet if the person carries a handgun.

Villalba said the bill was "primarily for independent bloggers who are focused on keeping law enforcement accountable."

Traditional news media — including newspapers, magazines and licensed radio and television stations — would be allowed as close as 10 feet away.

Villalba said he supports more police accountability but proposed the bill for officers' safety.

Another Villalba bill would require police officers responding to family violence calls to record interactions.

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