Bill > B26-0617

This bill, the Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Temporary Amendment Act of 2026, temporarily amends existing laws to require the public release of body-worn camera recordings in cases of officer-involved deaths or serious use of force, even when the officer involved is not from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) but an MPD officer was present. Specifically, it mandates the release of names and body-worn camera footage of all directly involved MPD officers and, where available, other law enforcement officers, along with a description of the incident, within 10 business days of the bill's effective date for incidents occurring between August 1, 2025, and the bill's enactment. The bill also clarifies that MPD officers are generally prohibited from reviewing body-worn camera footage to assist in writing initial reports for incidents involving MPD officers, but they may do so for incidents involving other law enforcement officers prior to the bill's effective date. A "law enforcement officer" is defined broadly to include any authorized officer, agent, or employee of federal, state, or local governments involved in preventing, detecting, or investigating violations of law. The bill applies retroactively to August 1, 2025, and is temporary, expiring after 225 days.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0617