Kansas Lawmakers to Reopen Debate Over Police Body Cameras

Kansas legislators are reopening their debate over requiring body cameras for police, and a key Republican says he’s determined to resolve issues that kept lawmakers from enacting such a policy.

Local officials and law enforcement groups remained concerned Tuesday about the potential costs and limiting access to the recordings.

Such proposals have been a response to the Aug. 9, 2014, fatal shooting of an unarmed black 18-year-old who had scuffled with a white officer in Ferguson, Missouri.

Body-camera proposals introduced earlier this year in the Kansas House and Senate did not clear committee.

A joint committee plans to study the issue this summer and fall. Chairman and Republican Rep. John Rubin of Shawnee says requiring body cameras protects the public while also shielding officers from unwarranted allegations of misconduct.