This bill amends the existing law regarding the retention of body-worn camera recordings by including the requirement to retain recordings related to violation-level cases. Specifically, it modifies RSA 105-D:2, XVII(a) to state that if there is any legal requirement for retaining a recording, such as for litigation or a pending criminal or violation-level case, the recording must be kept only as long as legally mandated. This change aims to ensure that body-worn camera footage is preserved in a broader range of legal scenarios, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices.

The fiscal impact of the bill is estimated to be minimal, with the Department of Safety projecting that compliance costs for the state will be under $10,000 per year. However, the financial implications for county and local law enforcement agencies are indeterminable and may vary based on individual agency circumstances. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after its passage, allowing time for law enforcement agencies to adjust to the new requirements regarding body-worn camera footage retention.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 105-D:2
As Amended by the House: 105-D:2