Substitute Bill No. 431 Summary

• Establishes requirements for police body-worn recording equipment and dashboard cameras, including mandatory use during public interactions, proper positioning on outer garments above torso midline, and adherence to technical specifications approved by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection and Police Officer Standards and Training Council.

• Prohibits editing, erasing, copying, or sharing of recordings except as required by state or federal law; allows officers to review recordings for report preparation and permits review with legal representation during formal statements about use of force or disciplinary investigations.

• Mandates public disclosure of recordings within 48 hours of officer review or 96 hours of investigation initiation, with maximum 144-hour delay permitted for medical or psychological reasons; restricts recording of undercover officers, informants, personal activities, medical evaluations, and mental health facilities.

• Allows public agencies to charge requesting parties redaction fees up to $100 per hour of actual record length, with first two hours free (four hours free for parents/guardians and attorneys of involved persons), and prohibits fees for involved persons and cases involving officer shootings, vehicle accidents, use of force statements, or misconduct allegations.

• Effective October 1, 2024; requires law enforcement units to report annually on body-worn camera and dashboard camera compliance to University of Connecticut's Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy.