Stop Body Camera Paywalls Act

This bill, known as the "Stop Body Camera Paywalls Act," aims to eliminate financial barriers for the public seeking to access law enforcement camera footage. It mandates that any state or local government applying for federal funds through the Byrne grant program or COPS grant program must certify they do not impose any monetary costs on individuals wishing to view, access, or obtain copies of specific video recordings. The covered footage encompasses body camera video , dash camera video , jail, prison, or correctional facility surveillance footage , and other relevant law enforcement agency recordings. Failure to provide this certification will render the state or local government ineligible for the aforementioned federal grants, thereby incentivizing free public access to these important visual records.