Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report that authorizes individuals to record public officials, effective July 1, 2012.

Highlights:

• Authorizes an individual to make an audio or video recording of a “public official” while in the course of his or her official duties if the following conditions are met (Sec. 1):
• The recording device is in plain sight;
• The individual making the recording is doing so from a property:
• A property the individual owns;
• A property the individual obtained approval to record from; or
• A property that is public or private space “generally accessible” to the public; and
• The act of recording does not physically interfere with the public official's ability to perform his or her duties.

• Defines “public official” as any officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state, general court, or any individual performing a government function (Sec. 1).

• Requires any audio or video recording seized by law enforcement authorities to be returned to the owner no later than 10 days after the property had been seized (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text