Texas Education Code §29.022 requires school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to place video cameras with audio recording capability in certain self-contained classrooms and other special education settings for students with disabilities beginning in the 2016–17 school year. Cameras may be placed in these areas upon the request of a parent, trustee or staff member, in order to ensure the safety of students with disabilities in these classrooms.
The following are links to the statutes and legislation related to Texas Education Code §29.022:
Procedures for Requesting Video/Audio Recording
A parent, trustee or staff member may make a request for installation and operation of video/audio recording equipment in a self-contained classroom or other special education setting by completing and submitting a Request for the Installation of Video and Audio Recording Equipment form. The form can be obtained by emailing [email protected].
Reporting Incidents in Special Education Classrooms with Cameras
An Incident Report Form can be obtained by sending an email to [email protected]. This form is to be completed by a parent or guardian, on behalf of a parent or guardian, or by an employee who notifies the school of an alleged incident that occurred in a self-contained classroom where audio and video equipment is operational. An incident is defined by law as an event or circumstance that involves alleged “abuse” or “neglect,” as those terms are described in Family Code 261.001, of a student by an employee of the school district or alleged “physical abuse” or “sexual abuse,” as those terms are described in Family Code 261.410, of a student by another student. Please note that the law prohibits an individual from making false or frivolous reports. Upon receipt of this incident report form, appropriate District staff will take necessary steps to determine whether an incident of possible abuse or neglect occurred. The District will comply with all applicable laws regarding the reporting of suspected abuse or neglect.
Local Policy: A person alleging that an incident, as defined by law, has occurred in a classroom in which video surveillance is conducted shall file a report on the form provided by the District with the principal as soon as possible after the person suspects the alleged incident. If possible, an incident report form shall be filed within 48 hours of the facts giving rise to the allegation. The principal shall promptly view, or direct an authorized individual to view, the video surveillance footage to identify the relevant portion of the recording. No later than ten District business days after the report is filed, the principal or designee shall respond by notifying the person whether the alleged incident was recorded in the District’s video surveillance footage and shall initiate other steps as required by law, District policy, or local procedures.
