Villalba to tweak video bill

Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, says he was trying to help out law enforcement officers when he introduced HB 2918.

His proposal would restrict members of the public from “filming, recording, photographing, or documenting” a police officer working within 25 feet. When legally carrying a handgun, that buffer zone extends to 100 feet of the officer.

But the bill creates two classes of citizens. Members of established “news media” organizations would be exempt from the 25-foot rule. And the legislation would subject someone to arrest for recording a personal encounter with police.

Citizens, whether members of the media or not, should not obstruct police officers while doing their jobs. Some members of the public, including some members of Open Carry Tarrant County, appear to have made that their goal in recent months.

But recent events around the country have illustrated the importance of transparency and citizen awareness of law enforcement activities.

Fortunately, Villalba seems to appreciate the flaws in his bill and is working to fix it for law enforcement and the people they protect.

This story was originally published March 19, 2015 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Villalba to tweak video bill."