Senate resolution moves to kill D.C. police body camera transparency law
In committeeS.J.Res. 194Latest action
Sponsor: Bill Hagerty · Senator · TN
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Official title: A joint resolution disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Temporary Amendment Act of 2026.
119th Congress
Introduced:
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SJRES 194 would cancel a D.C. law setting body camera rules for police use-of-force incidents if passed by both chambers and signed.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
SJRES 194 is a that would cancel a temporary Washington D.C. law called the Body-Worn Camera Transparency for Use of Force Act, passed by the D.C. Council in April 2026. That local law established rules around how police body camera footage is handled or released when officers use force. If this resolution passes both the Senate and House and is signed by the president, the D.C. law would be eliminated entirely.
Who does it affect?
Washington D.C. residents are directly affected, as this resolution overrules a decision made by their locally elected city council. D.C. police officers and anyone involved in use-of-force incidents where body camera footage is relevant would also be affected.
Why does it matter?
The D.C. transparency rules on body camera footage would not go into effect, removing whatever access or handling requirements the local law had established. This action reflects the unusual authority Congress holds over D.C. law, which does not apply to any of the 50 states.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 2, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jun 2, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.