Bill · H.R. 7125· House(119-HR-7125)

Stop Body Camera Paywalls Act

Age: 50 years

Michigan

Introduced: 1/15/2026
Last activity: 1/15/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsored by: Rashida Tlaib
Cosponsors: - 16 - 0

Crime and Law Enforcement

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "Stop Body Camera Paywalls Act," aims to prohibit charging fees for access to certain camera video footage. It requires States or local governments to certify that they do not charge the public to view or obtain copies of footage recorded by law enforcement. This includes body camera, dash camera, and surveillance footage from jails or prisons. To receive funding from certain grant programs, these entities must ensure no financial or monetary costs or court fees are imposed for this access. Failure to provide this certification makes the State or local government ineligible for specific grant funding.

Yes· 3 of 13

Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill directly increases government transparency by prohibiting fees for accessing law enforcement camera footage.
Does this change how police departments operate?+5
The bill increases police transparency by requiring that body camera, dash camera, and jail surveillance footage be accessible to the public without charge.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+4
The bill removes financial barriers that might prevent low-income individuals from accessing important law enforcement footage.