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House approves body-camera amendment clarifying public-access and vendor-storage limits
Summary
The Utah House on Feb. 20 passed First Substitute House Bill 265 to clarify that third-party vendors cannot contractually take ownership of body-camera footage and thereby circumvent public-access requirements; the measure passed 73–0.
First Substitute House Bill 265, a body-camera bill brought before the House on Feb. 20, passed the chamber 73–0 after sponsors said the substitute clarifies that political subdivisions and agencies may use third-party vendors for storage and management but cannot contract away public access or otherwise avoid public-records obligations.
Representative McKay explained the substituted language is narrowly aimed at preventing vendors from claiming ownership of footage in a way that would block public access under state public-records law. During questions, members asked about the "reasonable expectation of ownership" for recordings; sponsors said the amendment captures both contractual claims and inferred ownership and is intended to preserve public availability.
The House conducted a recorded vote on the substitute and the Speaker announced First Substitute HB265 had received 73 yes votes and 0 no votes; the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
Why it matters: The change addresses concerns about whether law enforcement agencies could use vendor contracts to avoid public-access requirements for body-camera footage. Supporters said the measure protects transparency while allowing agencies to use third-party storage services.
What's next: The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.
