Body Camera Legislation Back On The Move

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — After hitting a snag due to disagreement over privacy concerns, body camera legislation is back on the move at the Minnesota Legislature.

A House committee passed a bill Tuesday that would make the portable camera footage largely private. Videos could only be accessed by the officers and subjects or after an investigation into police use of force incidents has been completed.

The legislation has been in the works for years as more Minnesota departments deploy the technology. Lawmakers have clashed while trying to strike the balance between providing a useful tool to police officers and offering a critical window into law enforcement abuse of power.

Rep. John Lesch says the bill misses the mark. The St. Paul Democrat calls it legislation written by and for law enforcements.