INDIANAPOLIS — A bill policing who can view law enforcement body camera footage passed the Indiana Senate 49-1 Tuesday.
The burden of proof in House Bill 1019 switched from the public to police departments during committee work last week.
“I think that change has helped a lot of people become more comfortable with this,” said Sen. Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, who argued for the change.
The bill does not mandate that police departments purchase body cams. It also leaves the decision to local officials decisions as to when the cameras should be turned on.
The bill has already passed out of the Indiana House, but because the Senate amended HB 1019 it will likely go to conference committee as legislators sort out the differences. The bill’sauthor, Rep. Kevin Mahan, R-Hartford City, said he will likely send the bill to a committee rather than agree with all the changes. In committee last week, Mahan said he didn’t have a problem with the switch in burden of proof.
Bray made other changes as well, including allowing anyone involved in the incident inquestion to view an unedited version of the video twice with an attorney.
The bill also eases access for videos relating to civil rights violations or excessive force. Bray said if there was an allegation of excessive force or civil rights violation, the video in question would be released in almost all circumstances.
Once an agreement is reached in conference committee, the committee report will be passed through the House and Senate.
If approved in both chambers, it would go to Gov. Mike Pence for his signature.
The bill received bipartisan support with Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, saying he thought the bill would decrease lawsuits.
"It's important to have something that will protect police officers," Taylor said. "You're going to act differently when you know you're being recorded." Conference committee members and scheduling will be announced later this week.