WA HB2644

All Washington law enforcement officers must be equipped with and activate body worn cameras prior to arriving at incidents or initiating public interactions beginning July 1, 2027, with cameras remaining on until encounters fully conclude including detainee transportation.

Recordings must be retained for minimum 90 days, extended to 3 years for cases involving use of force, arrests/detentions, or officer conduct complaints, with unauthorized access, alteration, or deletion prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.

Law enforcement agencies must establish policies by July 1, 2027 addressing activation/deactivation protocols, public notification procedures (including for non-English speakers and deaf/hard of hearing individuals), officer training, and disciplinary consequences up to termination for violations.

Persons who are subjects of recorded incidents may request copies of relevant recordings at no cost, subject to existing public records exemptions.

State preempts local regulation of body worn camera requirements for general authority peace officers, and the Criminal Justice Training Commission will distribute funding to agencies and report on compliance by December 1, 2027.