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On December 31, 2025, Colorado Governor signed into law a new media regulation that restricts public access to police records. The law, known as the Transparency and Accountability in Law Enforcement Act, aims to protect the privacy of individuals involved in police incidents while still promoting transparency in law enforcement.Under the new law, media outlets and members of the public can no longer request access to police records, including body camera footage, dashboard camera footage, and internal investigations, without a court order. This marks a significant departure from previous policies, where such records were often available under Colorado's open records laws.Supporters of the legislation argue that it will help protect the rights and privacy of individuals involved in police incidents, including victims, witnesses, and suspects. They also believe that limiting access to police records will prevent the dissemination of potentially sensitive information that could harm individuals or ongoing investigations.However, critics of the law argue that it will hinder transparency and accountability in law enforcement. They express concerns that restricting access to police records will make it more difficult for the public to hold law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions and may lead to abuses of power going unchecked.Despite the controversy surrounding the new law, Governor expressed confidence that it strikes the right balance between protecting privacy and promoting transparency in law enforcement. He emphasized that the legislation was carefully crafted to ensure that the public's right to information is preserved while also safeguarding the privacy and rights of individuals involved in police incidents.The Transparency and Accountability in Law Enforcement Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026. It is expected to have a significant impact on how the media in Colorado reports on police incidents and holds law enforcement agencies accountable in the years to come.