GA HB1223

Exempts audio and video recordings from state or local government agencies from public disclosure when they depict a person's death, show someone dying, or show a person in distress immediately before death

Allows disclosure to the deceased person's next of kin (spouse first, then adult child, then parent) or anyone with written release from next of kin

Superior courts may order disclosure in closed criminal investigations if the public interest outweighs family privacy, considering factors like governmental accountability and availability of similar information elsewhere

Requires custodians to give next of kin at least two weeks' notice before releasing any such recordings

Exempts defense counsel in habeas corpus actions and motions for new trial, who may access materials for litigation but cannot publicly disseminate them