HF2938

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