Summary
Creates a grant program to help state, local, and tribal police departments buy body-worn cameras and pay for data storage to increase accountability.
What problem does this solve?
Some communities lack trust in law enforcement due to concerns about excessive force and a lack of transparency. This bill provides funding for body cameras to record police interactions, which can improve accountability and be used as evidence.
Who does this affect?
- State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies
- The general public
- Government officials
What does this bill do?
Creates a grant program for body cameras
Authorizes the Bureau of Justice Assistance to give grants to state, local, and tribal governments to buy body-worn cameras and pay for related costs like data storage and training.
Requires agencies to create public policies
Requires police departments that receive grants to develop and publish clear rules for camera use, data storage, and privacy protection, with input from the community.
Restricts the use of facial recognition technology
Limits the use of facial recognition with camera footage. It can only be used with a judge's permission for serious crimes or immediate threats and requires double verification of any matches.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3031(d)(3)(A)(vi)
Header:
Recorded data collection and retention protocol
Establishes data reporting requirements
Requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report data on use-of-force incidents, complaints against officers, and how camera footage is used for evidence.
Sets funding for the program
Allocates $30 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance budget to fund the grant program.
Requires local governments to share costs
Sets the federal share of the program cost at 75 percent, meaning state, local, or tribal governments must pay for the remaining 25 percent, unless they receive a waiver for financial hardship.
Creates a training toolkit
Directs the government to create a toolkit for law enforcement that includes training materials, best practices, and model policies for using body cameras effectively.
Mandates a study on body camera effectiveness
Requires a study to be conducted on how well body cameras work to reduce excessive force, improve accountability, and affect officer and public safety.
What is the real world impact?
•
Increases police accountability and transparency
Provides funding for body cameras, which record interactions between police and the public. This footage can be used to verify events, investigate complaints against officers, and deter the use of excessive force.
•
Improves evidence collection
Ensures that video evidence is captured during police encounters. This footage can be valuable for prosecutors and defense attorneys in criminal cases, leading to more accurate outcomes in court.
When does this start?
This bill establishes several deadlines for creating and reviewing the grant program after it becomes law.
Program funding period
The grant program is authorized to receive $30 million per year for the fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Regulations for applications
The Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance must create rules for the grant application process within 90 days of the bill becoming law.
Program assessment
An assessment of the grant program and the policies of the grantees must be completed within two years of the bill becoming law.
Study on effectiveness
A study on the effectiveness of body cameras must be conducted no later than two years after all grants have been awarded.