SPONSOR: Roberts
This bill specifies that a law enforcement agency is mandated to deny public access to any audio or video recording showing the death of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty, as well as related acts or events surrounding the incident. Access can only be granted if a court determines that the public interest or an individual's interest outweighs the reasons for denial.
This bill permits a law enforcement agency to allow specific family members of the deceased officer (spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling) to hear or view the recording.
The bill specifies that its provisions do not prevent prosecution and defense counsel from accessing the recordings or using them as evidence in a legal proceeding.
Statutes affected: