The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee held hearings on two separate bills pertaining to police body worn cameras. SB 556 mandates municipal police agencies outfit their officers with body worn cameras without any financial support from the State, SB 558 also mandates the use of body worn cameras but provides cost assistance and access to State resources to defray much of the costs. MML supports SB 558 with amendments that provide agencies more flexibility and input in the process. On the other hand, MML opposes SB 556 on the grounds that it is an unfunded mandate on local governments. Increased usage of body worn cameras on police officers provides many benefits in increased transparency and accountability in public safety, however the cost to acquire the equipment, store the footage, and review and redact the footage for Public Information Act requests is substantial and should be considered in this debate. For more information please contact Bill Jorch at billj@mdmunicipal.org