House Judiciary Advances Surveillance Camera Bill

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House Judiciary Committee has advanced a bill that would expand the use of surveillance cameras in certain public areas, moving the proposal forward in the legislative process.
The measure outlines where cameras may be installed, how long footage can be retained, and what safeguards must be in place to protect privacy. Supporters say the bill will help law enforcement investigate crimes more efficiently and improve public safety, particularly in high‑traffic or high‑risk locations.
Committee members discussed issues including data storage, access to footage, and the need for clear limits on how recordings can be used. Privacy advocates raised concerns about potential overreach and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in any surveillance program.
After debate, the committee voted to advance the bill to the full House for consideration.