Bill Curbing Access To Police Body Camera Footage Advances

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Body camera legislation limiting access to the police-gathered footage has cleared a significant Minnesota Senate hurdle.

After weeks of discussion and refinement, the Senate Judiciary Committee sent the bill Friday to the floor for an eventual vote. It deems much of the data off-limits to the general public, except when an officer uses a dangerous weapon or causes bodily harm.

The bill's ultimate fate is in doubt because House lawmakers haven't advanced companion legislation and Gov. Mark Dayton remains noncommittal. If nothing passes this year, all body camera footage would be deemed public.

Some fear that situation would lead the Minnesota departments already using the cameras to abandon them.

Sen. Ron Latz's bill sets guidelines for retaining data and training officers where body cameras are deployed.