Texas Lawmaker Wants Limits On Bloggers Recording Cops

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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- A Republican Texas lawmaker wants to create strict buffer zones between police and "independent bloggers" who record police activity.

A bill by Dallas Rep. Jason Villalba's would make it a Class B misdemeanor for anyone but news media to record police within 25 feet, or within 100 feet if the person carries a handgun.

Villalba said the bill was "primarily for independent bloggers who are focused on keeping law enforcement accountable."

Traditional news media -- including newspapers, magazines and licensed radio and television stations -- would be allowed as close as 10 feet away.

Villalba said he supports more police accountability but proposed the bill for officers' safety.

[tweet https://twitter.com/JasonVillalba/status/576156978709278721 width='330']

Another Villalba bill would require police officers responding to family violence calls to record interactions.

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