Bill > S0811

This bill establishes the Body Cameras for Correctional Facilities Act (also known as the Willie Washington, Jr. Act), which mandates that all correctional staff in direct supervision roles wear body cameras while on duty. The legislation defines body cameras as portable video recording devices and requires staff to activate them during specific interactions with incarcerated individuals, such as use of force incidents, transportation, medical emergencies, and disciplinary proceedings. The bill creates an independent incident oversight board (IIOB) composed of diverse stakeholders to review recorded incidents, investigate complaints, and provide recommendations for improvements. Recordings must be retained for at least 60 days and access is strictly limited to authorized personnel, with incarcerated individuals having the right to request review of footage involving them. Staff must receive comprehensive training on body camera use and data privacy, and those who fail to comply with the policy may face disciplinary action, including potential termination. The department of corrections is required to provide biannual reports to the general assembly detailing recorded incidents and must implement the necessary protocols and training programs within six months of the bill's passage. The overarching goal is to increase transparency, accountability, and protection of rights for both correctional staff and incarcerated individuals.

Justice

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