The proposed bill, SB 261, mandates that all custodial interrogations conducted by law enforcement agencies be electronically recorded, establishing a new chapter titled "Recording of Custodial Interrogations." It defines key terms such as "custodial interrogation," "electronic recording," and "law enforcement agency," and outlines specific requirements for recording interrogations in various detention locations. The bill includes exceptions to the recording requirement, such as when an individual requests not to be recorded or when technical issues arise. Furthermore, it establishes a presumption of inadmissibility for statements made during unrecorded interrogations, with provisions for overcoming this presumption under certain circumstances.

To facilitate the implementation of this law, the bill creates the Electronic Equipment Acquisition Fund (EEAF), appropriating $50,000 for grants to state law enforcement agencies to purchase necessary recording equipment. The Department of Safety will administer these funds and establish rules for their application and disbursement. While the bill does not specify any deletions from current law, it introduces new requirements that may lead to increased costs for local governments related to equipment purchase, maintenance, and officer training. The financial impact on municipalities is indeterminable, with potential expenses for storage of recorded interrogations also noted. Overall, while the bill aims to enhance transparency in law enforcement practices, it raises concerns about the financial implications for state and local agencies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12