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Read. Follow. Verify.Vermont Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Create Independent Civilian Board for Body-Worn Camera Footage Oversight
Last action · January 9, 2026: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military AffairsSponsor: Barbara Rachelson
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What This Bill Would Do
Lawmakers are allowed to consider a bill that establishes a five-member independent civilian board to oversee storage, access, and for law enforcement . The proposed board would operate outside of police departments to handle public and agency requests for video recordings. Representative Rachelson of Burlington introduced the measure, which has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs.
A new civilian oversight structure is proposed to handle police video recordings outside of police departments, pending legislative review following its introduction.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
law enforcement agencies
Law enforcement agencies will have the storage, access, and release of their body-worn camera footage supervised and controlled by an external civilian board.
civilians requesting footage
Individuals requesting access to law enforcement body-worn camera footage will have their requests processed and reviewed by the new civilian board.
Key Facts
- The bill creates a five-member independent civilian board appointed by members of the three branches of government.
- The board is tasked with supervising and controlling the storage of and access to law enforcement body-worn camera footage.
- The board is responsible for reviewing footage, responding to viewing requests, and making appropriate redactions prior to release.
- The bill was introduced by Representative Rachelson of Burlington and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who appoints the members of the proposed civilian board?
What are the main responsibilities of the new board?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 9, 2026HouseIntroducedRead first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
legislature.vermont.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance55How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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