House Bill No. [insert number] enacts Code of Evidence Article 902.1, which establishes provisions for the self-authentication of footage captured by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operated by law enforcement agencies. The bill outlines that parties intending to introduce such footage at trial must provide written notice of their intent at least 45 days before the trial, along with a certificate containing specific details about the footage, including the operator's identity, the recording date and time, and a statement affirming the footage's authenticity. The bill applies to various legal proceedings, including criminal cases, juvenile court cases, family court proceedings involving criminal matters, and civil forfeiture proceedings.

Additionally, the bill allows defendants to demand the testimony of the UAS operator by filing a written demand within 30 days of receiving the notice. If the demand is not made in a timely manner, the footage will be deemed self-authenticating and admissible at trial without the operator's testimony. The bill also includes provisions for extending time periods for filing demands under certain circumstances and defines key terms related to electronic signatures, footage, law enforcement agencies, and unmanned aircraft systems.