This bill proposes significant updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding law enforcement officers, particularly focusing on the use of body-worn cameras. It mandates that by July 1, 2027, all local law enforcement agencies and the Department of Public Safety must equip each peace officer who interacts with the public with a body-worn camera. The bill outlines specific conditions under which officers must activate these cameras during public interactions and provides exceptions for certain situations, such as undercover work or administrative discussions. It also establishes consequences for officers who fail to comply with these requirements, including a permissive inference of misconduct in investigations and potential disciplinary actions from their employers.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the handling and release of video recordings from body-worn cameras, particularly in cases of alleged misconduct. It requires law enforcement agencies to release unedited recordings within 21 days of receiving a complaint and outlines the process for redacting sensitive information to protect privacy interests. The bill also stipulates that recordings depicting a death caused by a peace officer must be made available to the victim's family upon request. Furthermore, it establishes guidelines for withholding recordings that could interfere with ongoing investigations and sets a timeline for their eventual release. Overall, these updates aim to enhance transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.