AR HB1236

Exempts audio and video recordings depicting a law enforcement officer's death in the line of duty from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, making such records confidential.

Permits family members of deceased officers (spouse, children, parents, or siblings) to access these records, with minor children aged 14+ allowed access only with written parental consent and supervision.

Allows circuit courts to authorize access to restricted recordings upon a showing of good cause, considering factors including necessity for evaluating officer conduct, compelling public interest, privacy intrusion severity, and availability of similar information.

Permits law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, defense counsel, and authorized training entities to access recordings for official investigations, training, and legal proceedings without public dissemination restrictions.

Designates knowing violations by record custodians as a Class D felony and declares the act effective immediately upon Governor approval to address the public interest in protecting deceased officers' families from exposure to recordings in public forums.