Kansas House Bill HB2777

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/8/24
• Report Pass: 2/20/24
• Engrossed: 2/28/24
• Refer: 2/29/24
• Report Pass: 3/25/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Prohibiting an employee of the office of the state fire marshal from wearing or operating a body camera during an on-site inspection at a licensed care facility.

Impact

The passage of HB2777 would affect state laws regulating inspections conducted by the fire marshal in various licensed care facilities. This legislation is designed to clarify the responsibilities and activities of state employees during their inspection duties. By amending existing laws regarding the operational procedures for physical inspections, the bill may ultimately change the manner in which compliance is monitored and documented in licensed care settings.

Summary

House Bill 2777 aims to prohibit employees of the Office of the State Fire Marshal from wearing or operating body cameras during on-site inspections at licensed care facilities. The bill reflects a significant shift in how inspections are conducted, emphasizing the need for transparency while also addressing concerns over privacy and the potential chilling effect on inspections. By removing body cameras from these procedures, the bill aims to foster a more open inspection atmosphere while allaying fears about surveillance.

Contention

There were notable discussions surrounding the implications of body cameras in public service roles. Proponents of the bill argued that body cameras could intimidate employees during inspections and inhibit the ability of inspectors to perform their duties effectively. They posited that without the presence of cameras, there may be an increased level of trust and cooperation from facility staff during inspections. Conversely, opponents raised concerns about accountability and transparency, asserting that the absence of recorded inspections could hinder future investigations if any irregularities were to arise.