Senate approves citizen request process for body‑camera video; bill creates judge‑mediated review

Salt Lake City — The Utah Senate approved Second Substitute House Bill 260 on March 4, directing a new process to handle public or family requests for body‑cam video in the most serious police incidents.

Senator Wyler, presenting the bill, said it seeks a workable balance that benefits public knowledge and families while preserving ongoing investigations. “This bill utilizes a neutral arbitrator in the form of a judge to ensure that it does not disrupt an ongoing investigation,” Wyler said.

Under the substitute, video from body cameras for deadly incidents, incidents causing serious bodily injury or events in which a firearm is discharged can be requested for release by a citizen; the bill sets standards and timelines and instructs that a judge act as a neutral reviewer when release might interfere with an investigation. Senator Wyler said the law draws on practices from other states while discarding elements considered harmful to investigations.

The chamber passed the bill under suspension of the rules; the clerk recorded 25 yea votes, 1 nay and 3 absent. The bill will be returned to the House for the Speaker’s signature.

Implementation notes: Sponsors said the statute is intended to improve transparency while protecting investigative operations and family interests; county and municipal law enforcement agencies will need to update procedures and may appear before appropriations committees if funding is required for redaction or administrative processes.