Bill > SB505

This bill amends existing New Mexico law to strengthen requirements for law enforcement body camera usage. The legislation mandates that law enforcement agencies require peace officers who routinely interact with the public to wear body-worn cameras while on duty, with specific exceptions for undercover operations and explosive recovery missions. The bill establishes comprehensive policies requiring officers to activate cameras at the start of any public interaction, prohibit camera deactivation during encounters, and retain video recordings for at least 120 days. Importantly, the bill changes language from "may" to "shall" regarding disciplinary actions, making it clear that officers who fail to comply with body camera policies will be presumed to have acted in bad faith and can be held liable for evidence spoliation. The definition of "law enforcement agency" is expanded to include police departments of public post-secondary educational institutions. The bill also provides detailed definitions for key terms like "body-worn camera," "peace officer," and "undercover operation" to ensure clarity and consistent implementation across different law enforcement entities in New Mexico.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=505&year=25