Bill > SB0265

This bill amends the Local Records Act by adding a new requirement for law enforcement agencies that choose to encrypt their police scanner transmissions. Specifically, if a law enforcement agency decides to encrypt its scanner communications, it must provide real-time access to those encrypted transmissions to specific types of media organizations, including broadcast stations (as defined by federal communications regulations), radio broadcast stations, and newspapers (as defined in the Notice By Publication Act). The bill is designed to ensure transparency by mandating that media outlets can still receive and potentially report on emergency communications even when those communications are encrypted. The new provision will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving law enforcement agencies and media organizations time to prepare for and implement the new access requirements. This legislation aims to balance law enforcement's need for secure communications with the public's interest in accessing information about emergency responses and police activities.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=265&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104