HB 985 Summary

• School districts must place video cameras in each school with a self-contained classroom; charter schools must provide cameras to each self-contained classroom serving nonverbal students receiving special education services for at least 50% of the instructional day.

• Cameras must monitor and record audio from all classroom areas but cannot record in restrooms or clothing-change areas except entryways; written explanations required for any interruptions in camera operation, maintained for at least 1 year.

• Schools must retain video recordings for at least 3 months or until conclusion of any investigation or legal proceedings, including appeals; recordings must be deleted or made irretrievable after retention period.

• Schools cannot allow regular monitoring of recordings or use videos for teacher evaluations; only specified persons (involved employees, parents of involved students, investigators, law enforcement, and Department of Children and Families) may view recordings within 7 days of request; uninvolved students' identities must be concealed.

• School or charter school principal acts as custodian of cameras and recordings; appeals of school actions may be filed with State Board of Education, which must grant hearing within 45 days; act takes effect July 1, 2023.