Police body-camera footage would follow public-record request rules

Public bodies and agencies would make law-enforcement body-camera footage available under the state’s public-record request law. The rule would cover footage recorded by law-enforcement officers while performing official duties. Agencies would have to remove personal information and other content protected by state or federal law. Agencies would generally have to remove images of minors, sexual-assault victims, and private places, unless the public interest in release outweighs the privacy interest. The proposal would repeal the current exemption for body-camera footage described in the bill. The provisions would take effect on January 1, 2027, if enacted.

Public bodies and agencies would respond to body-camera footage requests within 5 business days. The rule would apply to requests made under the state’s public-record law for footage held by a public body or agency. The agency would provide the footage, explain why it denied the request, or state how much time it needs for redaction and processing. Agencies could charge the actual cost of redacting and processing the footage request. Written records would have to identify the legal basis for each withheld or redacted part. The 5-business-day response rule would apply beginning January 1, 2027, if enacted.