Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify the rules regarding access to portable recording system data, especially related to collision investigations. It seeks to regulate how unredacted video footage from police body cameras can be accessed by individuals.

Main Provisions

• Defining Data Subjects: The bill clarifies that data subjects include the peace officer who collected the data and any identifiable individual captured in the recording.
• Access to Data: Individuals who are the subjects of a recording have the right to access the data unless certain exemptions apply. If a person requests this data, other individuals' data in the recording must be redacted if those individuals do not consent to its release.
• Unredacted Data Access: Persons entitled to collision reports will have access to unredacted data from all portable recording systems involved in the collision investigation.
• Exemptions to Data Access: Law enforcement agencies can deny access to unredacted data if:
  1. It would interfere with an active investigation.
  2. The content is offensive to common sensibilities.
  3. It is classified as not public under other legal provisions.
• Agency Obligations on Denial: If access is denied, the law enforcement agency must provide a written explanation to the requester, outlining reasons for the denial and informing about the possibility of seeking relief through the district court.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This amendment allows broader access to unredacted body camera footage during collision investigations, with specific exemptions to protect investigation integrity and privacy when necessary.

Relevant Terms

portable recording system, data access, unredacted footage, collision investigation, body camera footage, data subjects, peace officer, law enforcement agency, public data, privacy exemptions, active investigation, redaction, Minnesota Statutes.