H972 Summary

• Law enforcement recordings from body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, and other devices are classified as non-public records and cannot be released without court order or specific authorization.

• Recordings may only be disclosed to persons whose image or voice appears in the recording, their personal representatives, or authorized family members; disclosure is limited to relevant portions and cannot be copied or recorded by the recipient.

• Law enforcement agencies may disclose or release recordings to district attorneys for criminal prosecution purposes and may disclose recordings internally for training, administrative, or law enforcement purposes without court order.

• Courts may order disclosure or release of recordings upon request, considering factors such as compelling public interest, protection of investigations, safety concerns, and fairness of judicial proceedings; persons denied disclosure may appeal to superior court.

• Authorizes governmental and nongovernmental organizations to establish needle and hypodermic syringe exchange programs; provides limited immunity from prosecution for employees, volunteers, and participants possessing needles or residual controlled substances obtained from authorized programs.