Local government; provide exemption from disclosing audio and video recordings captured by law enforcement when such recordings depict a person's death
Summary
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 50-18-72, relating to when public disclosure not required, so as to provide for an exemption from disclosing audio and video recordings captured by law enforcement when such recordings depict a person's death; to provide for exceptions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2026
Last action Mar 3, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
LC 63 0082/a
→
LC 49 2761S/hs
·
4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was rewritten to expand the definition of who can request sensitive recordings from 'law enforcement officers' to 'any state or local government agency.' It also clarified exactly who counts as a deceased person's next of kin and added strict rules requiring courts to balance public interest against privacy rights before ordering any disclosure.
Scope change
The bill's scope broadened from only law enforcement devices to include all state and local government agencies, and the definition of eligible requesters was expanded to include estate representatives and guardians.
SCOPE
The exemption from public disclosure now applies to audio and video recordings from any state or local government agency, not just those used by law enforcement officers.
DEFINITION
A specific hierarchy was added to define 'next of kin,' prioritizing the spouse, then adult children, and finally parents.
REQUIREMENT
New requirements mandate that agencies must give next of kin at least two weeks' notice before releasing recordings, and courts must conduct a specific analysis to ensure disclosure is necessary and the least intrusive means available.
TIMELINE
The new rules apply to all undisclosed recordings in government custody as of May 13, 2026, and any new recordings added to custody after that date.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Introduced
House Hopper
lower
6 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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