WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5928

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- THE BODY CAMERAS FOR CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES ACT -- THE WILLIE WASHINGTON, JR. ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 8 co-sponsors

Requires direct-supervision DOC staff to wear body cameras inside facilities, recording key interactions with incarcerated individuals for transparency and accountability.

04/03/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5928

Summary — HB 5928: The Body Cameras for Correctional Facilities Act (The Willie Washington, Jr. Act)

Status: Committee recommended measure be held for further study (04/03/2025)
Introduced: January 22, 2025 (text shows referral to House Judiciary 02/28/2025)
Classification: Bill

Purpose

Establishes a statewide requirement that correctional staff in direct-supervision roles wear body-worn video cameras while on duty inside Department of Corrections facilities to increase transparency, improve accountability, and provide an objective record of critical interactions between staff and incarcerated individuals.

Key provisions

  • Scope and definitions

    • Applies to "staff" (employees/contractors of the Department of Corrections in direct supervision roles) and "incarcerated individuals" held in DOC facilities.
    • Defines "body camera" as a portable video recording device worn by correctional staff.

  • Camera use requirements (42-56.1-3)

    • Mandatory wear of body cameras for direct-supervision staff while on duty inside facilities.
    • Cameras must be activated during interactions with incarcerated persons, specifically including:
    • Use-of-force incidents
    • Transporting individuals
    • Medical emergencies
    • Disciplinary proceedings
    • Recordings must be continuous during these interactions and may be deactivated only after the situation is resolved and no further actions are anticipated.

  • Data access, retention, and notice (42-56.1-4)

    • Recordings retained for a minimum of 60 days, then securely deleted unless needed for an ongoing investigation or legal proceeding.
    • Access limited to authorized personnel (investigators, supervisors, legal counsel as needed).
    • Facilities must post notices informing incarcerated individuals about body-camera use; individuals should be notified when practical if recording is occurring and may request review of footage that directly involves them under appropriate circumstances.

  • Oversight and accountability (42-56.1-5)

    • Establishes an Independent Incident Oversight Board (IIOB) appointed by key stakeholders and including civil-rights representatives, legal experts, mental-health professionals, formerly incarcerated individuals, and community leaders.
    • IIOB duties: review recorded incidents involving force or complaints, investigate incidents, conduct periodic assessments/audits, and recommend reforms to the DOC.

  • Reporting, training, and enforcement (42-56.1-6)

    • DOC must provide biannual reports to the General Assembly detailing number of recorded incidents, incarcerated-person access requests, and incidents reviewed by the incident review board.
    • DOC must provide comprehensive training on camera use, data privacy, and the dignity/rights of incarcerated persons.
    • Noncompliance by staff may result in disciplinary action up to termination and potential civil liability.
    • DOC must perform regular audits of compliance and effectiveness.

  • Implementation and effective date (42-56.1-7)

    • DOC required to implement protocols and training within six months after the bill’s passage.
    • Act takes effect upon passage.

Who would be affected

  • Directly: DOC staff in direct-supervision roles (correctional officers, supervisors, contractors).
  • Indirectly: Incarcerated individuals in DOC facilities, DOC administration (implementation, training, records management), investigators and legal counsel who access recordings, and community stakeholders engaged through the IIOB.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Transparency/accountability: Creates a recorded record of critical incidents and a mechanism for independent review.
  • Operational costs: Upfront and ongoing costs for cameras, data storage, secure deletion processes, training, and oversight staffing/board support.
  • Privacy and access: Balances retention and restricted access with notification and review rights for incarcerated individuals; details on precise access procedures and privacy safeguards would likely be determined in implementing protocols.
  • Enforcement: Establishes disciplinary consequences for staff noncompliance and periodic audits to monitor adherence.

Legislative/procedural notes

  • Introduced and referred to House Judiciary; hearings scheduled in late March 2025.
  • Committee recommended holding the measure for further study on 04/03/2025.

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

Sign in to ask a question.