Theday.com
HARTFORD, Conn. — A bill that would open police officers to civil lawsuits if they interfere with a person who is photographing or videotaping them in the course of duty passed the state Senate Thursday.
The vote was 24-11, with Sens. Andrea Stillman of Waterford, Edith Prague of Columbia and Eileen Daily of Westbrook in favor of it. Sen. Andrew Maynard of Stonington was absent. The bill heads to the House.
Proponents said the legislation protects a citizen’s right to monitor law enforcement and peace officers in action. In introducing the bill, state Sen. Eric Coleman, D-Bloomfield, recalled both the 1991 videotaped beating by Los Angeles police of Rodney King and a 2009 incident involving the Rev. James Manship, a Catholic priest who was arrested by East Haven police while recording officers harassing Latino business owners.
Full story: Bill would protect those who videotape police at work