Police CAMERA Act of 2025
Police CAMERA Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Police CAMERA Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the bill does:** The Police CAMERA Act would authorize the federal government to provide grants (financial assistance) to states, local governments, and Native American tribes to help them buy or rent body-worn cameras for police officers. Body-worn cameras are small recording devices that officers wear on their uniforms to record interactions with the public. The bill would fund programs to implement and manage these camera systems. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily affects state and local law enforcement agencies, which would receive federal funding to equip officers with cameras. It also impacts the general public, as expanded body camera use could affect how police interactions are documented and reviewed.
Crime victims, witnesses, and those involved in police encounters may see changes in how evidence is recorded. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it's under review and hasn't been voted on by the full House yet. The bill addresses topics ranging from criminal investigation procedures to privacy rights and evidence handling, suggesting these will be key considerations as it moves through the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Police Creating Accountability by Making Effective Recording Available Act of 2025 or the Police CAMERA Act of 2025This bill authorizes the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the Department of Justice to make grants for states, local governments, and Indian tribes to purchase or lease body-worn cameras for use by law enforcement officers and to implement body-worn camera programs.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.