88R9430 KBB-F
By: Morales of Maverick H.B. No. 3967
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to accompanying and filming peace officers of the state
and local law enforcement agencies for producing a documentary
film.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 614.231, Government Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 614.231. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Documentary film" means a theatrically released
nonfiction motion picture dealing creatively with cultural,
artistic, historical, social, scientific, economic, or other
subjects that may have been photographed in actual occurrence, or
may employ partial reenactment, stock footage, stills, animation,
stop-motion, or other techniques, as long as the emphasis is on fact
and not fiction, including a series of films that may be released in
several parts or episodes.
(2) "Law enforcement agency" means an agency of this
state or a political subdivision of this state that employs peace
officers other than game wardens.
(3) [(2)] "Reality television program" means a
nonfictional television program that features the same live
subjects over the course of more than one episode primarily for
entertainment purposes, but does not include a documentary film or
reporting on a matter of public concern by a journalist as defined
by Article 38.11, Code of Criminal Procedure.
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, 2023.