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House unanimously approves expansion of body‑worn camera authorization
Summary
Senate Bill 520, expanding authorization for body‑worn cameras to additional deputies and agents (fish and boat, game commission, DCNR rangers, and AG agents), passed the House 203–0 on Nov. 18, 2025. Supporters cited transparency and accountability.
The Pennsylvania House unanimously approved Senate Bill 520 on Nov. 18, 2025, expanding authorization for body‑worn cameras to additional deputy law enforcement officers and agents, including those at the Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources rangers, and agents of the attorney general.
Rep. Briggs (S8), the majority chair of the Judiciary Committee, urged passage on the floor, saying body‑worn cameras are “an invaluable tool for law enforcement providing accurate and unbiased accounts of officer engagement and protecting the integrity of citizens and officers alike.” He argued that officers who work independently in remote areas would particularly benefit from the expanded authorization.
The clerk recorded 203 ayes and 0 nays on the bill’s final passage. The House’s action returns the bill to the Senate; the transcript records no floor amendments during the House consideration.
Supporters framed the bill as a public‑safety and transparency measure designed to give officers and the public more objective records of interactions in remote and varied operational environments. Implementation details and any rule changes would be determined in subsequent executive‑branch guidance and agency practice.
