HB 15-1285 Summary

• Creates a body-worn camera grant program administered by the Division of Criminal Justice to award grants to law enforcement agencies for purchasing cameras, data retention costs, and officer training.

• Establishes the Body-Worn Camera Fund in the state treasury to receive federal grants, donations, and other funding sources, with moneys subject to annual appropriation by the General Assembly.

• Creates a 15-member Body-Worn Camera Study Group appointed by the Executive Director, including representatives from law enforcement, district attorneys, public defenders, community groups, and privacy advocates, to study policies and best practices.

• Directs the Study Group to recommend policies on body-worn camera use by law enforcement, including when cameras must be turned on/off, notification requirements, consent procedures, and enforcement mechanisms, with recommendations due to the legislature by March 1, 2016.

• Appropriates $89,893 to the Department of Public Safety for the 2015-16 fiscal year to support implementation and one additional FTE.