Sec. 411.0201.  REPRODUCTION OF RECORDS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), the department may photograph, microphotograph, or film any record in connection with the issuance of a driver's license or commercial driver's license and any record of any division of the department.
(b)  None of the following may be photographed or filmed to dispose of the original record:
(1)  an original fingerprint card;
(2)  any evidence submitted in connection with a criminal case;  or
(3)  a confession or statement made by the defendant in a criminal case.
(c)  The department may create original records in micrographic form on media, such as computer output microfilm.
(d)  A photograph, microphotograph, or film of a record reproduced under Subsection (a) is equivalent to the original record for all purposes, including introduction as evidence in all courts and administrative agency proceedings.  A certified or authenticated copy of such a photograph, microphotograph, or film is admissible as evidence equally with the original photograph, microphotograph, or film.
(e)  The director or an authorized representative may certify the authenticity of a photograph, microphotograph, or film of a record reproduced under this section and shall charge a fee for the certified photograph, microphotograph, or film as provided by law.
(f)  Certified records shall be furnished to any person who is authorized by law to receive them.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1187, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.