H.B. No. 1938
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to a grant program for law enforcement agencies to defray
  the cost of data storage for recordings created with body worn
  cameras.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter N, Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, is
  amended by adding Section 1701.6521 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1701.6521.  GRANTS FOR BODY WORN CAMERA DATA STORAGE.
  (a) A law enforcement agency in this state that provides body worn
  cameras to its peace officers may apply to the office of the
  governor for a grant to defray the cost of data storage for
  recordings created with the body worn cameras.
         (b)  The grant program established by this section may be
  funded by federal funds or by gifts, grants, and donations.
         SECTION 2.  Sections 1701.658(a), (b), and (c), Occupations
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  If a law enforcement agency receives a grant under
  Section 1701.652 [this subchapter], a peace officer who is employed
  by the agency and who is on duty may only use a body worn camera that
  is issued and maintained by that agency.
         (b)  Notwithstanding any previous policies, an agency may
  not allow its peace officers to use privately owned body worn
  cameras after receiving a grant described by this section [under
  this subchapter].
         (c)  A peace officer who is employed by a law enforcement
  agency that has not received a grant described by this section or
  who has not otherwise been provided with a body worn camera by the
  agency that employs the officer may operate a body worn camera that
  is privately owned only if permitted by the employing agency.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1938 was passed by the House on April
  29, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 145, Nays 2, 1 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1938 was passed by the Senate on May
  22, 2021, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor