Jim Rosica
A House panel on Wednesday approved a bill that would require local law enforcement wearing body cameras to develop guidelines for their use.
The Criminal Justice subcommittee unanimously cleared the bill (HB 93), sponsored by state Rep. Shevrin Jones, a West Park Democrat.
The bill would allow the decision to wear body-cams to remain with local police and sheriffs.
The legislation would mandate that agencies using them develop “policies, procedures and guidelines” governing that use, including the “storage, retention and release of audio and video.”
The Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association and the state’s police unions support the legislation.
Last session, however, the Legislature passed and Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a public records exemption for police body-camera footage.
Police body-cam footage taken inside a home, at a hospital or at the scene of a “medical emergency” is now considered exempt from disclosure.
A catch-all provision also shields body-cam video where someone that was caught on tape had a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” It does allow the subject of any video to authorize its release.
Jones’ bill will next be considered by the House Appropriations committee. A Senate companion has not yet had a hearing.
