Downloads
HB 93 — Law Enforcement Officer Body Cameras
by Reps. S. Jones, Williams, and others (SB 418 by Senators Smith, Thompson, Gibson, and Evers)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill creates s. 943.1718, F.S., pertaining to body cameras, to:
- Define relevant terms including the term “body camera,” which means “a portable electronic recording device that is worn on a law enforcement officer’s person that records audio and video data of the officer’s law-enforcement-related encounters and activities”;
- Require a law enforcement agency that permits its law enforcement officers to wear body cameras to establish policies and procedures addressing the proper use, maintenance, and storage of body cameras and the data recorded by body cameras;
- Specify what must be included in those policies and procedures, such as general guidelines for the proper use, maintenance, and storage of body cameras and limitations on recording law-enforcement-related encounters and activities; and
- Require these agencies to conduct training on those policies and procedures, retain audio and video data recorded by body cameras, and perform periodic review of body camera practices.
The bill specifies that ch. 934, F.S. (interception of communications), does not apply to body camera recordings made by law enforcement agencies that elect to use body cameras.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 113-0