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In a controversial move, the Kentucky legislature has passed a new media law that restricts access to police body camera footage. The law, which was signed by Governor John Smith on Monday, November 17, 2025, prohibits the release of body camera footage to the media or public without the consent of the individual depicted in the video.The legislation, known as Senate Bill 112, has sparked outrage among civil rights organizations and media outlets, who argue that the law will limit transparency and accountability in cases of police misconduct. Supporters of the bill, however, contend that it is necessary to protect the privacy rights of individuals captured on camera.Under the new law, individuals who are recorded by police body cameras have the right to request that their footage be withheld from public disclosure. Law enforcement agencies are required to notify individuals within 30 days of the recording if their footage is being requested by the media or public.Critics of the legislation argue that the process for requesting footage is overly burdensome and could lead to delays in releasing important information to the public. They also express concerns that the law could be used to shield police misconduct from public scrutiny.In response to the criticism, Governor Smith defended the law, stating that it strikes a balance between protecting privacy rights and ensuring transparency in police operations. He emphasized that the legislation is aimed at protecting the rights of individuals who may be unfairly portrayed in body camera footage.The passage of Senate Bill 112 comes amid a national debate over police accountability and transparency. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of police misconduct captured on body cameras, leading to calls for greater access to such footage.It remains to be seen how the new law will be implemented and what impact it will have on media access to police body camera footage in Kentucky. Civil rights organizations and media outlets are expected to challenge the legislation in court, arguing that it violates the First Amendment rights of the press and the public.