AUSTIN – State Sen. Craig Estes on Tuesday announced his filing of Senate Bill 897, also known as the “Freedom to Film Act,” which will secure every citizen’s right to film and document the police without being harassed.
In recent years, as more and more people have started carrying smartphones, there has been a disturbing trend nationwide of citizens being harassed by law enforcement for filming, photographing, and recording law enforcement officers.
Unfortunately, multiple incidents have occurred in Texas where citizens were told to stop filming the police, even though filming the police is perfectly legal.
SB 897 seeks to clarify that a citizen is perfectly within their legal right to film police officers during the course of their normal duties.
Specifically, if a citizen is charged with interference with public duties, failure to obey the police, or assaulting an officer and is subsequently acquitted, the citizen may recover the costs of defending the frivolous charges.
“My hope is that this bill will cause our police departments to think twice before arresting and charging a person who is doing nothing more than filming the police,” said Estes, R-Wichita Falls, whose district includes Parker County. “The police are public servants, so they should not be doing anything that they would not want caught on film.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
State Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls Courtesy
The Democrat welcomes comments. Inappropriate language or comments outside our standards will be removed. No guest or anonymous comments allowed.
Estes files ‘Freedom to Film Act’
Bill confirms the legality of filming, photographing and observing the police
- Local News
-
-
Second arrest made in baseball bat beating
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the Monday beating of a man who, deputies say, stopped along the highway to help a man he believed to be in trouble.
-
Weatherford Chamber officials tout benefits of membership
Weatherford Chamber of Commerce members are eligible for more benefits than they might be aware of.
-
Weatherford PD volunteers honored
The Weatherford Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association held its annual awards ceremony April 25, recognizing several members of the local community who have volunteered numerous hours to the Weatherford Police Department.
-
First Baptist Church of Dennis to host benefit concert
This Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend, the First Baptist Church of Dennis will be hosting a free concert to benefit Grace House Ministries.
-
Suspect Tasered after traffic stop, chase
A Weatherford man who was stopped late Tuesday over vehicle-related violations ended up being Tasered and taken to jail after he reportedly fled a deputy, according to the Parker County Sheriff’s Office.
-
Zonta’s sweet event Tuesday
Join the Zonta Club of Parker County for an evening of “Sweet Entertainment” this Tuesday at The Texas Opry Theater, 315 York Ave., in historic downtown Weatherford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
-
ASK A MASTER GARDENER: Timely prunings will make for better mums
Garden mums are a perennial that will bloom twice each year if they are not pruned. However, the stems will be long and floppy and the flowers will be small. Timely pruning will greatly improve the appearance and the bloom of the plant.
-
Local Guild sends quilts to West nursing home residents
The Quilter’s Guild of Parker County has a long history of providing quilts to local organizations and individuals through it’s Comfort Quilt Program.
-
WCS student reads in nation’s capitol marking 224th inaugural anniversary of President George Washington
Madison Avery Flynn, daughter of Sean and Ashley Flynn, of Weatherford, and a first grader at Weatherford Christian School, participated in a historic event in the nation’s capitol on May 8th honoring President George Washington.
-
Local artists’ works on display
The Weatherford Art Association announced the Artist of the Month for April at their Monday meeting.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Second arrest made in baseball bat beating
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
