Police Filming Bill Likely Doomed Amid Union Opposition
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Republican Texas lawmaker's bill limiting bloggers who film police looks to be on life support after reaping strong opposition from the state's largest police officers' union.
Dallas Rep. Jason Villalba withdrew his proposal — which would incriminate independent bloggers who film police activity within 25 feet, or 100 feet if they carry a handgun — from a committee meeting Thursday.
That came a day after he heard complaints from the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas.
Villalba insists he withdrew the bill because the hearing would run very late.
But the association's executive director, Charley Wilkison, said Villalba suggested he was pulling the bill permanently during Wednesday's phone call.
It would be the second Villalba proposal scrapped this session — he killed another bill amid pressure from Texas businesses.
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