Police Body Camera Bill (HB 57) Sponsored by Rep. Shevrin Jones (D-101) Passes Appropriations Committee
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Proposed legislation that requires law enforcement agencies in Florida to develop rules, procedures, policies, training and such around police body cameras is one step closer to becoming a law. The Florida House Appropriations Committee unanimously passed HB 57 on Thursday, March 19, 2015.
"This is a step in the right direction," stated Rep. Jones. "Yesterday the Appropriations Committee voted to pass the legislation as well as the amendment addressing the privacy of both law enforcement officers and the public."
The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) introduced the amendment to Rep. Jones for his consideration.
"This legislation has evolved into its current form and garnered bi-partisan support due largely in part to the feedback and input I received from various law enforcement agencies across the state, such as the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Florida Sheriff's Association and Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police," said Rep. Jones.
This is the second committee hearing for HB 57 following the unanimous approval on February 11, 2015 by the Criminal Justice Subcommittee. "As Florida's first piece of legislation regarding police body cameras, HB 57 is a stepping stone that exemplifies a more efficient way of implementing policy," said Rep. Jones.
HB 57 requires law enforcement agencies to create policies and procedures for body camera use, data recording and storage in compliance with s. 119.021, F.S. as well as periodic review of practices to ensure compliance with the agency's policies and procedures. Legal protections are already in place to preserve the public's right to privacy. Those same protections are in effect with audio and video images captured on police body cameras.
Next, the legislation will be presented to the House Judiciary Committee. A date has not yet been set for this committee hearing.
Elected to the Florida House of Representative in 2012, Rep. Shevrin Jones (D)-101 is currently serving his second term. A long time champion for youth and education, Rep. Jones sponsored CS/HB 139 - Athletic Coaches for Youth Athletic Teams, which passed unanimously in April 2014 and became effective July 1, 2014.
CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]
SOURCE Florida State Representative Shevrin Jones
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