Ryan Ray
A bill to require the use of body cameras for Florida law enforcement officers is ready for a vote before the full House after getting final approval in a committee.
The House Judiciary Committee passed HB 93 by Rep. Shevrin Jones by a unanimous vote Thursday.
Jones, a Broward Democrat, said his bill would provide comprehensive protections for both citizens and law enforcement officers.
Florida has seen a rash of shooting deaths at the hands of police in recent years. Criminal justice reform advocates say Jones’ bill could boost transparency and greater reliability in assessing the evidence in future confrontations between police and suspects.
“I look forward to this bill becoming law,” said Jones in a statement. “It has received great bipartisan support and is highly favored by law enforcement agencies across the state.”
The second-term lawmaker thanked the family of the late Corey Jones for coming to Tallahassee to testify in favor of the bill this week. Corey Jones was a musician who was gunned down by officers after breaking down along Interstate 95 in Palm Beach Gardens.
The bill would require police jurisdictions across Florida to create policies and implement the cameras, and the storage of data they collect.
Former Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chris Smith is carrying a companion bill, SB 418. It currently awaits a hearing in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.
