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Bill

A 7176

Relates to the discoverability of recordings found on police body worn cameras and vehicle cameras

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Monique Chandler-Waterman

Bill A 7176 enhances transparency by allowing public access to police body and vehicle camera recordings while protecting privacy and ongoing investigations.

PRINT NUMBER 7176A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 7176

Summary of Bill A 7176

Bill Number: A 7176
Title: Relates to the discoverability of recordings found on police body worn cameras and vehicle cameras
Status: PRINT NUMBER 7176A
Introduced: March 21, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 7176 aims to establish clear guidelines regarding the discoverability of recordings obtained from police body-worn cameras and vehicle cameras. The intent of the bill is to enhance transparency and accountability in law enforcement by ensuring that recordings are accessible under certain conditions while balancing privacy concerns and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

Key Provisions

  • Discoverability Standards: The bill outlines specific criteria under which recordings from body-worn and vehicle cameras can be accessed by the public and legal entities. This includes:

    • Conditions for public access to recordings.
    • Exceptions where recordings may be withheld, such as ongoing investigations or privacy concerns of individuals captured in the footage.

  • Request Process: The legislation establishes a formal process for individuals or entities to request access to recordings, including:

    • Required documentation for requests.
    • Timeframes within which law enforcement agencies must respond to requests.

  • Accountability Measures: The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies maintain records of all requests for recordings, including the outcomes of those requests, to ensure accountability and transparency.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Law Enforcement Agencies: Police departments and other law enforcement entities will need to implement new procedures for handling requests for recordings.

  • Public and Legal Entities: Members of the public, legal representatives, and advocacy groups will have clearer pathways to access recordings, promoting transparency in law enforcement practices.

  • Individuals Recorded: The bill includes provisions to protect the privacy of individuals captured in recordings, which may limit access in certain situations.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 21, 2025: Bill A 7176 was introduced and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • May 20, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Judiciary Committee, indicating ongoing discussions and potential revisions before further consideration.

Related Bills

Bill A 7176 is related to several prior-session bills that address similar issues of police accountability and transparency, including:
- A 7682
- A 2825
- A 1341
- A 1934
- A 6464
- S 3926 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill A 7176 represents a significant step towards enhancing the transparency of law enforcement practices through the discoverability of recordings from body-worn and vehicle cameras. By establishing clear guidelines and processes, the bill seeks to balance public access with the need for privacy and the integrity of investigations. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final provisions and impact of the bill.

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

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