Abbott signs bill banning Texas police from working with reality TV

[dalton99a]

https://www.kxan.com/news/local/williamson-county/gov-abbott-signs-javier-amblers-law-banning-texas-police-from-working-with-reality-tv/

Gov. Abbott signs Javier Ambler’s Law, banning Texas police from working with reality TV
by: Andrew Schnitker, Will DuPree
Posted: May 26, 2021 / 06:10 PM CDT / Updated: May 26, 2021 / 06:56 PM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill banning Texas law enforcement agencies from participating and contracting with reality television shows. The bill goes into effect immediately.

House Bill 54, also known as Javier Ambler’s Law, was named after the man who died in police custody about an hour after his encounter with Williamson County sheriff’s deputies.

State Rep. James Talarico, a Round Rock Democrat, introduced the legislation after Ambler’s March 2019 death. Cameras for the show “Live PD” captured the encounter with Williamson County deputies, but the footage never aired on the now-canceled A&E reality show.

During the agency’s time on the show, one man died, and another was seriously hurt after encounters with deputies. “Live PD” cameras were on scene both times.

Robert Chody, the former Williamson County sheriff, and Jason Nassour, who worked for the county attorney, have both been indicted by two different grand juries over Ambler’s death and specifically what happened to video evidence of that arrest. The indictments charge Chody and Nassour with evidence tampering, a third-degree felony, accusing them of allowing the “Live PD” video to be destroyed.

[Wounded Bear]

1. Their motivations are suspect, but I actually support this...

I assume they want to "protect" police from scrutiny, but I have always hated those 'reality' shows that glorify police violence.

Good riddance, IMHO.

[genxlib]

3. Agreed on both accounts

I'll take the win even if the reasons are misguided

[Wounded Bear]

4. Stopped clocks and blind squirrels, eh?

[TwilightZone]

6. I think it's simply because this event was incredibly bad PR and a liability nightmare.

The former Williamson County Sheriff, who was at one time a right-wing golden child, is likely going to jail for the cover-up. I think Abbott, for once in his pitiful existence, actually sees what's right in front of him and did the right thing.

[USALiberal]

2. Wow, I agree with that idiot on this one! nt

[MerryHolidays]

5. I wonder whether by "reality TV"

...they actually mean the news!

[Wounded Bear]

7. Pretty sure they're talking about shows like "Cops" et al...

Those should die a quick death IMO.

[Deuxcents]

8. Lone Star Law

Too? I enjoy the game wardens track down poachers and save injured wildlife.