This bill establishes the right of victims and their families to confidentiality regarding crime scene and autopsy photographs during clemency hearings. It mandates that such photographs submitted to the Pardon and Parole Board must be kept confidential and not made available to the public. The bill also requires the submission of two separate clemency hearing packets: one for public access that excludes sensitive images, and another for the Board that includes all relevant photographs. Additionally, the Board is granted the authority to seal any records that could compromise the confidentiality or privacy of victims.

The bill amends the Open Records Act to include crime scene and autopsy photographs of victims as confidential records, thereby prohibiting their public disclosure. It clarifies the process for submitting clemency hearing packets and specifies that the Governor will receive the complete packets, including sensitive images. The effective date for this legislation is set for November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 51-24A.5