A bill that would expand the use of body cameras for law enforcement personnel, allowing park rangers and others to wear recording devices, has cleared the state Senate in a unanimous vote and will now be considered by the House of Representatives.
The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp., would expand the use of body cameras to authorize them not only for police officers and sheriff’s deputies, but also for special agents with the Office of Attorney General, rangers with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and officers and deputies with the Pennsylvania Game and Fish and Boat commissions.
Senators voted 50-0 on June 26 to forward the bill, co-sponsored by lawmakers including Rosemary M. Brown, R-40, Middle Smithfield Twp., to the House for consideration.
“This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that strengthens both officer safety and public trust,” Baker said in a statement. “These officers often serve in remote or dangerous environments. Equipping them with body cameras helps protect their safety and provides an objective record of their interactions with the public.”
Senate Bill 520 would modernize the law regarding the use of body cameras by updating the definition of “law enforcement officer” in the Wiretap Act, ensuring consistency in how body camera footage is recorded and managed across different departments, according to Baker’s office.
The legislation would ensure that authorized agencies are covered under the same regulations that govern audio and video recordings.
“As body camera technology has evolved, so too must our laws,” Baker said. “This bill provides the clarity and coverage necessary to expand this valuable tool to the officials who need it most. When there are misunderstandings or disputes, body camera footage can help prevent situations from escalating into harm or tragedy.”
In a statement, Attorney General Dave Sunday welcomed the possibility of his agents being permitted to wear body cameras and urged the House to pass the measure.
“This is a vital tool for law enforcement,” Sunday said. “Office of Attorney General agents face dangerous individuals and situations each day when conducting investigations, executing search warrants and making arrests. Body cameras have proven to be a critical tool to protect law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
Spokespeople for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the Fish and Boat Commission did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration on June 30.