The Texas Senate Criminal Justice Committee will meet on Tuesday April 14, 2015 and Senator Royce West's Bill will be heard. Although body cameras will not solve every issue as it relates to public safety and law enforcement, it is an important and needed step in the right direction.
I spoke to Governor Abbott’s office about a month ago regarding body cameras. His staff indicated that the Governor is still in support of body cameras and is maintaining contact with Senator Royce West’s office that is organizing several work groups. (http://www.kvue.com/story/news/local/2014/12/23/lawmakers-file-police-body-camera-bills-ahead-of-session/20824643/). Hopefully, the two political parties can work together to get this done this session.
There are several nuances to consider in drafting this sort of legislation and a full conversation should take place on this issue. However, I believe that the time for that conversation is now and we all should aggressively pursue passage of required body cameras. Increased transparency is a key element in moving forward on this issue.
Details
When: Tuesday April 14, 2015
Where: Texas Capitol. Room E1.016.
**Time: To Be Determined. Likely around 2pm. Based on the fact this hearing will take place upon final adjournment/recess of the Texas Senate, there is no set time at this moment of when the hearing will take place.
Important information
1. Committee Hearing Notice Including Bills To Be Heard: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/schedules/pdf/C5902015041413301.PDF
2. Committee Members:
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/commit/c590/c590.htm
3. Bill:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/pdf/SB00158I.pdf#navpanes=0
I may not be able to make the hearing this week.
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