Bill > A5065

This bill, known as the "End Crimes to Clicks Act," aims to restrict public access to body worn camera (BWC) recordings, which are video and audio recordings captured by law enforcement officers during interactions with the public. The bill limits disclosure of these recordings under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), allowing only the subject of the recording or their legal next of kin to request access. The legislation responds to concerns about the commercialization and potential misuse of BWC footage, such as editing recordings to damage reputations or creating entertainment content from law enforcement interactions. The bill defines key terms, including "body worn camera" as a mobile recording system worn by officers, and "subject of the recording" as any person significantly appearing in the footage, excluding those who only incidentally appear. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that it does not restrict individuals' rights to record their own interactions with law enforcement using personal equipment. The underlying motivation is to protect the privacy and reputation of law enforcement officers, victims, suspects, and other individuals involved in recorded interactions, while preventing the exploitation of these recordings for profit or sensationalism.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5065