Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB223

Caption

Relating to prohibiting law enforcement departments from contracting with television crews to create reality shows.

Impact

If enacted, SB223 would amend both the Local Government Code and the Government Code in Texas to include explicit provisions against such contracts with reality television crews. This legislation reflects a growing recognition of the concerns surrounding the ethical implications of filming police encounters for entertainment purposes. By prohibiting these contracts, the bill aims to uphold standards of professional conduct within law enforcement agencies and protect the integrity of legitimate policing operations from the influences of media portrayal.

Summary

Senate Bill 223 aims to prohibit law enforcement departments in Texas from entering into contracts with television crews for the purpose of producing reality television shows that feature officers acting in their official capacity. This bill applies to all law enforcement agencies that employ peace officers, emphasizing a clear stance against the commercialization of police work through entertainment media. The bill is intended to address concerns regarding the portrayal of law enforcement activities and the potential impact of reality television on public perception and the operations of police departments.

Contention

The discussion around SB223 may involve varying opinions regarding the balance between transparency in law enforcement and the concerns of sensationalism and misrepresentation that can arise from reality television. Supporters of the bill could argue that that filming police for entertainment diminishes the seriousness of their duties, while opponents may contend that such shows can foster public understanding and accountability in policing. The bill may elicit discussions about the boundaries of media engagement and the duties of law enforcement in a democratic society.

Companion Bills

TX HB54

Same As Relating to accompanying and filming peace officers of state and local law enforcement agencies for producing reality television programs.

Previously Filed As

TX HB40

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions, and authorizing under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate certain of those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB3967

Relating to accompanying and filming peace officers of the state and local law enforcement agencies for producing a documentary film.

TX SB4

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB2519

Relating to law enforcement misconduct and law enforcement interactions with certain detained or arrested individuals and other members of the public, to public entity liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.

TX HB1418

Relating to state agency contracting and certain state employees involved with the contracting.

TX HB4

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB138

Relating to the enforcement within this state of certain federal laws regarding immigration.

TX HB4419

Relating to the promotion of film and television production in this state, including the eligibility of film or television productions for funding under the major events reimbursement program, the creation of a film events trust fund and a film production tax rebate trust fund, the establishment of virtual film production institutes, and the designation of media production development zones.

TX HB3858

Relating to peace officer wellness programs within certain law enforcement agencies.

TX HB1530

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.