Signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires law enforcement to use body-worn cameras.

Highlights:

• Requires police departments to abide by the following guidelines (Sec. 1):

• Police officers must wear a body camera and activate it whenever an officer is responding to a call for service;

• Body cameras cannot be turned off until the encounter is over; and

• Any video recorded by a body camera must be retained by the police department for at least 120 days. 

• Establishes that disciplinary action will be taken on police officers who (Sec. 1):

• Fail to operate a body camera in accordance with department policy;

• Intentionally manipulate body camera footage; or

• Prematurely erase body camera footage in violation of department policy.

• Establishes that a police officer’s certification will be revoked if they are convicted or plead guilty to a crime involving the unlawful or threatened use of physical force (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes that a convicted or guilty officer’s credentials cannot be reinstated unless the officer is exonerated or pardoned by the governor (Sec. 2). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires law enforcement to use body-worn cameras.

Highlights:

• Requires police departments to abide by the following guidelines (Sec. 1):

• Police officers must wear a body camera and activate it whenever an officer is responding to a call for service;

• Body cameras cannot be turned off until the encounter is over; and

• Any video recorded by a body camera must be retained by the police department for at least 120 days. 

• Establishes that disciplinary action will be taken on police officers who (Sec. 1):

• Fail to operate a body camera in accordance with department policy;

• Intentionally manipulate body camera footage; or

• Prematurely erase body camera footage in violation of department policy.

• Establishes that a police officer’s certification will be revoked if they are convicted or plead guilty to a crime involving the unlawful or threatened use of physical force (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes that a convicted or guilty officer’s credentials cannot be reinstated unless the officer is exonerated or pardoned by the governor (Sec. 2). 

Full Bill Text