Committee backs further work on bill to require Fish and Game officers to wear body cameras, but department asks for funding and policy framework

The Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee recommended pursuing future legislation on bill 1530 FN, which would require Fish and Game law-enforcement officers to wear body cameras.

The Chair noted that when the department discussed the proposal it emphasized two requirements: any legislation should include funding to cover camera costs and the department’s law-enforcement division should draw a policy modeled on other departments’ body-camera policies. "If we are to recommend future legislation for that, we should make it clear that the future legislation should include funding and, and a a framework of of policy," the Chair said.

Representative Harvey moved that future legislation was needed on 1530 FN; Representative Kimberly Abare seconded. Members were asked to provide a short explanatory blurb for the committee report by the end of the week. The clerk called the roll and the motion passed, later reported as "Motion passes 10." Committee members cautioned that, given possible budget constraints, funding could be a barrier to passage through finance committees.

Why it matters: Requiring body cameras would change equipment and policy for Fish and Game law-enforcement officers and carries budget implications; the department requested explicit funding and a formal policy be part of any legislative proposal.

Next steps: The mover is responsible for providing a short rationale to staff for the committee report and for coordinating drafting that includes funding and a departmental policy framework.