CT HB07308

Establishes a task force to examine body-worn recording equipment use by state and municipal police, including expansion of statutes, training requirements, and data storage/freedom of information issues, with a report due by February 1, 2018.

Expands the grant program to reimburse municipalities for purchases of body-worn recording equipment, electronic defense weapon recording equipment, dashboard cameras with remote recorders, and digital data storage for fiscal years ending June 30, 2017 and 2018 at 100% reimbursement rate.

Provides 50% reimbursement for municipalities purchasing this equipment during fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, and allows reimbursement for equipment purchased between January 1, 2012 and July 1, 2016 up to the amount they would have received under the grant program.

Requires sworn police members of the State Police Division, special police forces, and municipal police departments receiving grant reimbursement to use body-worn recording equipment while interacting with the public in law enforcement capacity, effective July 1, 2016, except as provided in departmental policy.

Directs the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection and Police Officer Standards and Training Council to maintain guidelines on body-worn recording equipment use, data retention, and secure storage, with updates submitted to relevant legislative committees.