The Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Temporary Amendment Act of 2026 aims to enhance transparency regarding body-worn camera recordings in incidents involving officer-involved deaths or serious use of force by law enforcement officers other than those from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The bill amends section 3004 of the Body-Worn Camera Regulation and Reporting Requirements Act of 2015, requiring the public release of names and body-worn camera recordings of all involved officers within 10 business days after the effective date of the Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Emergency Amendment Act of 2026 for incidents occurring between August 1, 2025, and that effective date. Additionally, it mandates that for all officer-involved deaths since August 1, 2025, the reported information must include the names of all involved officers.

The bill also includes provisions that restrict MPD officers from reviewing body-worn camera recordings when writing initial reports for incidents involving officer-involved deaths or serious use of force directly involving an MPD officer. However, they may review recordings for incidents involving other law enforcement officers prior to the effective date of the Body-Worn Camera Transparency Emergency Act. Furthermore, the bill introduces definitions for "law enforcement officer" and clarifies the terminology used throughout the legislation, ensuring consistency in the application of the law. The act is set to take effect following approval by the Mayor and a 30-day congressional review period, with a sunset provision that will cause it to expire after 225 days.