Bill > SB00973

This bill permits public agencies to charge a fee for redacting records created by police body-worn cameras or dashboard cameras before releasing them under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Specifically, the bill allows agencies to charge for labor costs associated with redaction, with the first four hours of work being free. The fee is limited to $100 per hour and can only be based on the actual hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee qualified to do the redaction. The bill includes several important exemptions: no fee can be charged to involved persons (such as individuals in the video), their parents/guardians, or attorneys representing them, and no fee can be charged for records involving police shootings, accidents, use of force incidents, or potential police misconduct. If a requesting party is charged more than the actual redaction costs, the agency must reimburse the difference. The bill also requires agencies to maintain an original, unredacted copy of the record and provides that the Freedom of Information Commission can order refunds if an agency improperly charges fees. This legislation aims to balance transparency with the significant administrative work required to protect privacy when releasing sensitive police recordings.