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HF2938 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Access to unredacted portable recording system data related to collision investigations permitted.

Related bill: SF3051

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill proposes changes to the way data from portable recording systems, or body cameras, are accessed, particularly concerning collision investigations carried out by law enforcement in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

  • Access to Body Camera Data: The bill stipulates that any individual who is a subject of data recorded by a peace officer’s body camera has the right to access that footage. However, if other individuals appear in the recording and do not consent to the release of their data, their information must be redacted before sharing.

  • Unredacted Data for Collision Reports: The bill mandates that individuals entitled to collision reports should receive unredacted body camera footage from the collision investigation. This includes footage of all parties recorded in connection with the incident.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Provision for Unredacted Access: Previously, data subjects could only access recordings with non-consenters' data redacted. The new bill allows for unredacted access to collision-related body camera data, except under certain limitations.

  • Conditions for Denial: Law enforcement agencies may refuse to provide unredacted data if:

    1. Access would interfere with an ongoing investigation.
    2. The content is obscene or offensive to common sensibilities.
    3. The data is classified as not public by other legal provisions.

  • Justification for Denial: If an agency denies access based on the above reasons, they must provide a written explanation and inform the requester of their right to seek relief from the district court.

Relevant Terms

  • Body cameras
  • Collision investigation
  • Data subject
  • Law enforcement agency
  • Redacted data
  • Unredacted data
  • Public access to data

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toJudiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification of access rights to unredacted investigation data, primarily concerning collision investigations."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends section 13.825 subdivision 4, which pertains to access to portable recording system data for data subjects.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies conditions under which law enforcement can deny access to data."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.825",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refers to conditions under which a peace officer's identity can be protected.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "13.82",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 17"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section is referenced in relation to the entitlement of individuals to collision reports.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.09",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 13"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This statute is referenced for seeking relief from data access denial decisions in district court.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "13.82",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  }
]

Sponsors