INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A proposal giving Indiana law enforcement agencies broad authority to withhold police body camera video is advancing in the state Legislature.
The bill cleared the Indiana House in a 65-30 vote Tuesday, with only Republicans voting in support.
Bill sponsor Republican Rep. Kevin Mahan of Hartford City says the proposal limits the release of body camera video, but allows anyone to seek a court order for the video if they can prove that releasing it is in the public interest and won’t cause harm.
News media groups and public access advocates say the proposal goes against the intent of open-government laws and gives police departments all incentives to block release of videos.
The proposal now goes to the state Senate for consideration.