Stop Body Camera Paywalls Act

Summary

Conditions federal Byrne and COPS grant eligibility on a certification that states, local governments, and law enforcement agencies do not charge any monetary fees (including court fees) to members of the public who request, view, access, or obtain copies of certain law enforcement video footage. The covered footage includes body-worn cameras, dash cameras, jail/correctional facility surveillance, and other relevant recordings. Jurisdictions that do not provide the required certification are ineligible to receive funding under the covered Byrne and COPS grant programs.

• Conditions Byrne and COPS grant eligibility on recipients certifying they do not charge the public fees to access covered law enforcement video footage.
• Covered footage includes body-worn cameras, dash cams, jail/correctional facility surveillance, and other relevant law enforcement recordings.
• Any monetary cost or fee, including court fees, is prohibited for public access to the specified footage under certified recipients.
• States, local governments, or agencies that do not provide the certification are ineligible to receive funds under the covered programs.
• The law changes grant eligibility rules; it does not appropriate new funds or create a new program.
• No effective date or transitional provisions are specified in the text.
• Compliance will require grant administrators to collect certifications and recipients to change or maintain fee policies.
• Could reduce public barriers to accessing footage while shifting costs or administrative burdens to local jurisdictions that previously relied on fees.