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HD 1681

An Act providing for greater police transparency

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Russell Holmes

This bill requires police to wear body cameras, establishes an independent review board, mandates use-of-force reporting, and makes officer disciplinary records public - enhancing police transparency and accountability.

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Bill Summary · HD 1681

HD 1681 - An Act Providing for Greater Police Transparency

Bill Summary

This proposed bill, introduced on November 29, 2025, aims to increase transparency and accountability within police departments across the state. The key provisions of the legislation are as follows:

Mandatory Body Camera Usage

  • All uniformed police officers would be required to wear body cameras while on duty.
  • Footage from the body cameras must be retained for a minimum of 2 years and made available to the public upon request, with limited exceptions for privacy and investigations.

Independent Review Board

  • An independent civilian review board would be established to investigate allegations of police misconduct.
  • The review board would have subpoena power to compel testimony and evidence from police departments.
  • Findings from the review board's investigations would be publicly reported.

Use of Force Reporting

  • Police departments would be required to report all use of force incidents to a statewide database.
  • The database would track details such as the type of force used, reasons for its use, and demographic information about those involved.
  • This data would be published online for public access and analysis.

Officer Disciplinary Records

  • Past disciplinary records of police officers, including suspensions and terminations, would be made accessible to the public.
  • A searchable online database would be created to allow the public to look up an officer's history.

Potential Impact

If enacted, this legislation would significantly increase transparency around police activities and hold departments more accountable to the communities they serve. Proponents argue it would build public trust, deter misconduct, and provide important data to evaluate policing practices.

However, some law enforcement groups have raised concerns about the cost and logistical challenges of implementing the body camera and reporting requirements. Privacy advocates have also expressed worries about public access to disciplinary records.

Overall, the bill represents a major step toward greater oversight and public oversight of policing in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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