Javier Ambler was killed in March 2019 when Williamson County sheriff’s deputies – who were being filmed by the reality show Live PD – followed Mr. Ambler into Austin for failing to dim his headlights, then restrained and repeatedly Tased him while he claimed, “I can’t breathe.” After filming Mr. Ambler’s death, Live PD deleted the footage, raising concerns about evidence tampering. Prohibiting the filming of police interactions for reality shows can prevent police pursuits and violence for the purpose of “entertaining television.”
HB 54 (Authors: Talarico, White, Israel, Bucy, Patterson | Sponsor: Whitmire), Relating to accompanying and filming peace officers of state and local law enforcement agencies for producing reality television programs. A law enforcement agency is prohibited from authorizing a person to accompany and film a peace officer acting in the line of duty for the purpose of producing a reality show. Signed by the Governor; effective on 5/26/2021