to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of installing video and audio equipment as
described by Article 2.135(a)(1)(A), including specifying criteria to prioritize funding or
equipment provided to law enforcement agencies. The criteria may include consideration of tax
effort, financial hardship, available revenue, and budget surpluses. The criteria must give
priority to:
(1) law enforcement agencies that employ peace officers
whose primary duty is traffic enforcement;
(2) smaller jurisdictions; and
(3) municipal and county law enforcement agencies.
(b) The Department of Public Safety shall collaborate with an
institution of higher education to identify law enforcement agencies that need funds or video and
audio equipment for the purpose of installing video and audio equipment as described by Article
2.135(a)(1)(A). The collaboration may include the use of a survey to assist in developing criteria
to prioritize funding or equipment provided to law enforcement agencies.
(c) To receive funds or video and audio equipment from the state for
the purpose of installing video and audio equipment as described by Article 2.135(a)(1)(A), the
governing body of a county or municipality, in conjunction with the law enforcement agency
serving the county or municipality, shall certify to the Department of Public Safety that the law
enforcement agency needs funds or video and audio equipment for that purpose.
(d) On receipt of funds or video and audio equipment from the state
for the purpose of installing video and audio equipment as described by Article 2.135(a)(1)(A),
the governing body of a county or municipality, in conjunction with the law enforcement agency
serving the county or municipality, shall certify to the Department of Public Safety that the law
enforcement agency has installed video and audio equipment as described by Article
2.135(a)(1)(A) and is using the equipment as required by Article 2.135(a)(1).