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Recording Laws

This legal research guide provides information about surveillance and recording laws, including electronic monitoring in the workplace and consent requirements for recording conversations.

General Information


About This Guide

We live in a digital age, and many situations arise wherein you are recorded in one way or another. Aspects of this include red light cameras, taped telephone conversations, and surveillance cameras. This page will provide you with some general information about the laws on these topics and how they intersect with the right to privacy. If you have questions about a specific situation involving audio or video recording, please consult an attorney.

Texas and Federal Law

Below you will find references to areas of the Texas statutes and federal law that govern recording and issues related to recording. If you find these statutes difficult to understand, you may want to look at the "Understanding the Law" resources on this page or speak to an attorney.

Texas Law

Federal Law

Understanding the Law

Because Texas and federal law may not be easy to understand, below you'll find a collection of resources that help to explain the law in "plain English."

E-Books Available from the Texas State Law Library

These e-books contain information on recording laws. These e-books can be viewed by those who have signed up for a free library account with the State Law Library. Only Texas residents are eligible to sign up. Signing up is free.

Books at the Texas State Law Library

These print books at the State Law Library contain information on record laws. If you are not able to visit the State Law Library in Austin, these books might be available at a law library near you or a public library near you.