Bill > S129

This bill modifies existing North Carolina law by establishing strict confidentiality rules for booking photographs, which are defined as images taken by law enforcement during an individual's arrest or jail processing. Under the new provisions, booking photographs are considered confidential and are not classified as public records, which means public law enforcement agencies are generally prohibited from publishing, distributing, or releasing these images. The bill provides only two narrow exceptions to this prohibition: first, booking photographs may be released in connection with a missing person report, and second, a court can order the release of a booking photograph if there is a demonstrated immediate law enforcement need. The bill also updates and clarifies definitions related to criminal investigations, intelligence information, law enforcement agencies, and violations of the law. The new law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving agencies time to prepare for and implement these new restrictions on booking photograph disclosure.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S129