summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act. Makes changes concerning the circumstances under which officer-worn body camera footage may be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act. Requires a requester of officer-worn body camera footage under the Freedom of Information Act to certify specified information with the request. Exempts officer-worn body camera footage from disclosure if it reveals certain information, depicts certain information, involves an active investigation, relates to pending criminal charges, would prejudice a jury or compromise prosecution, will be used for a listed forbidden purpose, or is otherwise exempt. Requires a law enforcement agency to make available for inspection and copying officer-worn body camera footage that is not exempt from disclosure. Allows a law enforcement agency to deny a request that violates certain provisions or standards established under certain provisions. Provides that a public body, law enforcement agency, or employee acting in good faith reliance is not subject to civil liability solely for denying or limiting access to a body-worn camera recording, as long as the denial or limitation is based on a reasonable interpretation of applicable law. Repeals the provisions added to the Officer-Worn Body Camera Act by the amendatory Act 5 years after the amendatory Act's effective date.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act to establish new rules for disclosing body camera footage under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which is a law that grants the public the right to request access to government records. Under these changes, requesters must certify their identity, contact information, and that the footage will not be used for commercial exploitation, mass distribution, artificial intelligence training, or to harass or identify individuals, among other prohibited purposes. The bill also exempts footage from disclosure if it reveals sensitive information like an officer's home address or family members, depicts victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, shows minors, individuals in mental health or medical crises, or individuals inside private homes. Furthermore, footage is exempt if it involves an active investigation, relates to pending criminal charges, could prejudice a jury, or compromise a prosecution. Law enforcement agencies must provide footage that is not exempt, and they are protected from civil liability if they deny or limit access based on a reasonable interpretation of the law. These new provisions will be repealed five years after the bill's effective date.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/03/2026)
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