Scored 3/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Police Body Bill
Illinois bill lets agencies charge for police body-camera footage
BODY CAMERAS-FOIA REQUESTS
Bad for everyday people ·
The bill would let Illinois agencies charge $40 an hour for searching and copying body-camera videos, unless the request is from a court, subject, witness, media, or nonprofit.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
If passed, everyday people could face costly fees to see police body-camera videos, making it harder to check police actions. The bill still has a chance to change, so citizens should speak up now to protect affordable access.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- Allows agencies to charge up to $40 per hour for staff time searching and redacting body-camera recordings.
- Exempts requests from courts, the recorded subject, witnesses, news media, and nonprofits.
- Requires agencies to give fee estimates within 5 business days and to provide an accounting of costs.
- Allows fee waivers for requests that serve the public interest.
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the Illinois Bill Book 2026
The best and worst Illinois bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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