The Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Emergency Amendment Act of 2026 amends the Body-Worn Camera Regulation and Reporting Requirements Act of 2015 to enhance transparency regarding body-worn camera recordings in incidents involving officer-involved deaths or serious use of force. The bill mandates the public release of names and recordings of all Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers involved in such incidents, as well as the names of other law enforcement officers when available. Specifically, for incidents occurring between August 1, 2025, and the effective date of this amendment, the recordings and names must be released within 10 business days after the act's effective date. Additionally, the bill clarifies that MPD officers are prohibited from reviewing body-worn camera footage when writing initial reports for incidents involving MPD officers but may do so for incidents involving other law enforcement officers prior to the act's effective date.

The bill also introduces new definitions and modifies existing language to ensure clarity regarding the roles of law enforcement officers and the MPD. It specifies that the information reported for officer-involved deaths since August 1, 2025, must include the names of all involved officers. The act is set to take effect upon approval by the Mayor and will remain in effect for no longer than 90 days, as per the emergency provisions of the Council of the District of Columbia.