Texas is a one-party consent state for recording conversations. Under Texas Penal Code §16.02, only one party to a conversation must consent to recording. This applies to both in-person conversations and phone calls. Video recording without audio in public areas is generally unrestricted.
Texas Penal Code §16.02 establishes the one-party consent standard: a person may record a conversation if they are a party to it or have consent from at least one participant. This applies to both audio and video recording that captures conversations. Recording phone calls follows the same one-party consent rule — if you are on the call, you may record it without informing the other party. Video recording without audio in public spaces, front yards, streets, and other areas without a reasonable expectation of privacy is broadly permitted. Texas Penal Code §16.02(c) makes unauthorized interception a state jail felony (180 days to 2 years, fine up to $10,000). Recording in places with a reasonable expectation of privacy — bathrooms, bedrooms, locker rooms — without consent is illegal under Texas Penal Code §21.15 (invasive visual recording). Employers may record in workplaces with notice but not in restrooms or changing areas. Doorbell cameras (Ring, Nest) that capture audio follow one-party consent rules for conversations the homeowner is party to.
Unauthorized interception: state jail felony, 180 days to 2 years, fine up to $10,000. Invasive visual recording: state jail felony under TX Penal Code §21.15.
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See how El Paso's recording & consent laws rules stack up against other locations.
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