Bill > HB2644

This bill, known as the law enforcement body worn camera act, mandates that all law enforcement officers in Washington state must activate their body-worn cameras, which are defined as video and sound recording devices attached to their uniforms, during all law enforcement encounters and responses to incidents, starting July 1, 2027. An "incident" is broadly defined to include any situation where an officer is dispatched or involved, such as traffic stops, calls for service, detentions, and arrests, and a "public interaction" is any contact between an officer and a member of the public. The cameras must remain active until the interaction concludes, with specific exceptions for situations involving confidential informants, undercover officers, or personal breaks, provided the officer verbally states the reason for deactivation and reactivates the camera when resuming law enforcement duties. Law enforcement agencies are required to store these recordings securely, retaining them for at least 90 days, or three years if the recording involves use of force, an arrest, detention, or an investigation into officer conduct. The bill also establishes that the state fully controls the requirements for body-worn camera use by general authority Washington peace officers, preempting any conflicting local ordinances, and provides funding for agencies to purchase and maintain this equipment. Additionally, individuals who are the subject of a recording may request a copy at no cost, subject to certain legal exceptions.

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https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2644&Year=2025&Initiative=false