It is important that the bill has not yet been put to a vote, and is subject to amendment after the extensive public debate in the media, on message boards, and on social networks like Twitter.
The full text of the Texas penal code affected by the proposed amendment:
PENAL CODE CHAPTER 38. OBSTRUCTING GOVERNMENTAL OPERATION
The full proposed text of the amendment to the Penal code:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/pdf/HB02918I.pdf#navpanes=0
Jason Villaba who introduced the bill in the Texas legislature defends it on Twitter:
Texas Bill Makes it a Crime to Photograph Police From Within 25 Feet of Them
It is a reasonable bill to keep people from crowding the police officer trying to get pictures whether those be the Paparazzi or just ordinary citizens eager for a 'personal scoop' or something like that. It also provides some protection for the person stopped for a traffic offense or whatever who almost certainly would not appreciate his/her photo plastered all over whatever. The issue of photographing from inside the car when stopped for questioning or ticketing by the police or otherwise those already there or those involved in the incident can be corrected by a simple correction of the language in the bill.
To me, it would make sense for it to apply to everybody and not just those with cameras.
Why not suggest that instead of the silly drum beat that the police want this law so they can abuse power?