The Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Amendment Act of 2026 aims to improve transparency regarding incidents of serious use of force or officer-involved deaths involving federal law enforcement agencies. Currently, the law mandates the release of body-worn camera footage from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers during such incidents, but does not extend this requirement to cases involving officers from other agencies. The proposed legislation would require the public release of MPD body-worn camera recordings for all officer-involved deaths or serious use of force incidents, including the names of all officers involved. Consent from the decedent's next of kin or the alleged victim (or their guardian if a minor) would be necessary for the release of footage.

Additionally, the bill mandates that MPD's public database include the names of federal law enforcement officers involved in officer-involved deaths since January 1, 2026, and requires a roll call record of all federal agents present during MPD roll calls to enhance transparency in joint patrols. The amendments to the existing Body-Worn Camera Regulation and Reporting Requirements Act of 2015 include changes to the definitions and requirements for reporting, ensuring that information about all law enforcement officers present during serious incidents is documented and made accessible.