(AP) – The Arkansas House has approved a bill that would
prohibit the release of video or audio that depicts the death of a police
officer in the line of duty.
Rep. Jimmy Gazaway proposed the bill, saying that the death of a Trumann
police officer in 2011 continues to make the rounds on the internet. House
members approved Gazaway's bill on a 94-0 vote.
Gazaway told House members that the plan offers only narrow limits on the
state's Freedom of Information Act. He said family members of the slain officer
could see the material, but others would need to obtain a judge's permission.
The judge, too, could order the material released if there is a compelling
public interest.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
prohibit the release of video or audio that depicts the death of a police
officer in the line of duty.
Rep. Jimmy Gazaway proposed the bill, saying that the death of a Trumann
police officer in 2011 continues to make the rounds on the internet. House
members approved Gazaway's bill on a 94-0 vote.
Gazaway told House members that the plan offers only narrow limits on the
state's Freedom of Information Act. He said family members of the slain officer
could see the material, but others would need to obtain a judge's permission.
The judge, too, could order the material released if there is a compelling
public interest.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
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