The proposed bill establishes the Law Enforcement Body Worn Camera Act, which mandates that all law enforcement officers in Washington state must be equipped with and activate body worn cameras during all law enforcement encounters starting July 1, 2027. The legislation emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement, aiming to enhance public trust by ensuring continuous and reliable recordings of interactions between officers and the public. The bill outlines specific definitions related to body worn cameras, incidents, and public interactions, and it sets forth guidelines for when cameras must be activated and deactivated, as well as the circumstances under which deactivation is permitted.

Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to securely store body worn camera recordings and retain them for a minimum of 90 days, with extended retention periods for recordings related to use of force, arrests, or complaints against officers. Agencies must also develop or update their policies regarding body worn camera usage to comply with the new standards. The legislation preempts local laws that conflict with its provisions and includes measures for funding and monitoring compliance with the new requirements. The bill also allows individuals captured in recordings to request copies at no cost, reinforcing the commitment to transparency.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 10.109.010, 10.109.020, 10.109.030