Bill Caption

Relating to a body worn camera program for emergency medical personnel. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 1386 would require emergency medical services providers that elect to use a body-worn camera program to adopt a policy for this program. Such a policy would be required to comply with all state and federal laws, and ensure that personnel activate the camera only during legitimate emergency medical services.

SB 1386 accomplishes this by including guidelines for approved circumstances of activating and using the cameras, provisions on data retention and storage of recordings, and guidelines on the use of and public access to recordings.  The bill would entitle personnel and persons receiving services to access a recording of an incident in which they were involved and provides procedures for supervisory or internal review.

To accomplish this goal, HB 1386 would institute rules for training requirements, open records restrictions and exceptions, and the use of personal equipment. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 1386 would not require organizations to use body cameras, rather it would provide guidelines for organizations that utilize body cameras. While a portion of the bill would violate limited government by allowing government to regulate the private industry, another aspect would protect individual privacy by exempting most of the body cam footage from public disclosure. Due to the conflicting positions, Texas Action remains neutral.