Law shields private code inspection recordings when companion law takes effect

Local governments must keep covered code inspector body camera recordings confidential, with exceptions. The rules cover audio and video recorded by body cameras worn by code inspectors during their official work. The protection covers recordings inside homes, facilities offering health care or social services, and other places where people reasonably expect privacy. Access exceptions allow or require some recordings to be shared. The law takes effect on the same date as SB 504 or similar companion legislation. Confidentiality applies retroactively. This subsection expires October 2, 2031, unless lawmakers renew it.

Local governments must release covered recordings to eligible people or under a court order. Eligible people include recorded people, their representatives, and people who lawfully lived or stayed in the recorded place when the recording was made. Release may be limited to portions relevant to the recorded person’s presence or showing the resident’s lodging interior. Agents need written permission. Specified representatives and relatives may request access after a recorded person dies. Other public records protections still apply. Sharing for government duties is allowed. Courts must consider privacy, safety, and other listed factors. The recording government must receive hearing notice and a chance to participate. These access rules start when the companion law takes effect.

Local governments must keep code inspector body camera recordings for at least 90 days. The duty covers local governments’ code inspector body camera recordings. The Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services must include a 90-day requirement in its records schedule. The law takes effect with the companion law. The records schedule update is due October 1, 2026. These recording rules expire October 2, 2031, unless lawmakers renew them.