Texas is a one-party consent state. You may legally record a conversation if you are a party to it or have consent from one participant. Texas Penal Code §16.02 governs wiretapping. Audio recording on security cameras is legal if at least one party consents or conversations are in public areas.
Texas follows the one-party consent rule for audio recording under Texas Penal Code §16.02 (Unlawful Interception, Use, or Disclosure of Wire, Oral, or Electronic Communications). This means you may legally record a conversation as long as you are a party to the conversation or have the consent of at least one participant. You cannot record conversations between other people that you are not part of. For security cameras with audio capability, recording audio in public-facing areas of your property (front porch, driveway) is generally permissible because there is no reasonable expectation of privacy in these areas. Recording private conversations between others without their knowledge or the consent of at least one party is illegal. Texas Penal Code §21.15 separately governs invasive visual recording. Phone call recording is legal if you are a party to the call. Texas law does not require you to inform the other party that you are recording.
Illegal wiretapping under TX Penal Code §16.02 is a state jail felony (180 days to 2 years, fines up to $10,000). Illegally obtained recordings are generally inadmissible in court. Civil damages may also apply.
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See how San Antonio's recording & consent laws rules stack up against other locations.
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