Texas is a one-party consent state under Texas Penal Code §16.02. You may legally record a conversation if you are a party to it. Recording conversations you are not a party to without any party's consent is a felony. Video recording in public places is generally unrestricted.
Under Texas Penal Code §16.02, it is illegal to intercept, record, or disclose wire, oral, or electronic communications unless at least one party to the communication consents. As a one-party consent state, Texas allows you to record your own conversations without telling the other party. This includes phone calls, in-person conversations, and video calls. However, recording a conversation between other people to which you are not a party is a criminal offense. The law provides exceptions for law enforcement with proper warrants. Video recording in public places where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy is legal. Recording in private businesses is subject to the property owner's rules. Texas does not have a comprehensive data privacy law equivalent to California's CCPA, though the Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act provides some data protections. Body cameras and dashcams are legal in Texas.
Unlawful interception: state jail felony (180 days to 2 years imprisonment, up to $10,000 fine). Disclosure of illegally intercepted communications: separate offense. Civil damages also available.
Harris County, TX
Harris County Engineering creates loading zones on county-maintained streets through traffic-control orders authorized by Transportation Code section 542.202...
Harris County, TX
Smoke alarms in Harris County homes are governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Section 766.002 and, for rentals, Texas Property Code Sections 92.251 to 92....
Harris County, TX
Texas counties have no general zoning authority under Local Government Code Chapter 231, so unincorporated Harris County does not require a home occupation p...
Harris County, TX
Unincorporated Harris County does not impose night caps or stay-length limits on short-term rentals. Texas counties have no general zoning authority under th...
Harris County, TX
Texas Transportation Code does not classify skateboards, so they are barred from roadways. Harris County Precinct Parks rules prohibit skateboarding outside ...
Harris County, TX
Harris County has no local lead-hazard rental inspection program. Federal Title X (Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992) and EPA Renovat...
See how Harris County's recording & consent laws rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.