DURING another course of research to formulate a bill facilitating effective criminal investigation, Rep. Julie A. Ogo discovered a measure drafted and introduced by former Rep. Richard Lizama called the “CCTV Act of 2019” requiring businesses to install short circuit cameras or CCTV at their premises.
Unfortunately, the bill, H.B 21-33, met its natural end without further action.
Representative Ogo strongly agreed with such a measure and felt it was necessary to effectively address criminal activities, especially crimes that impact commercial activities.
Hence, she amended the original version and the amended version, now called the “CCTV Act of 2023,” has been certified as legally sufficient and pre-filed as H.B. 23-63.
The main features of the bill are as follows: 1) Require all businesses to install color digital short circuit cameras at access and exit points and at cash-out counters, to be recorded continuously for 24 hours, 7 days a week, except open farm fields and mobile vending vehicles and trailers or those that do not have a permanent and stationary place of the business established; 2) recordings are to be kept for 60 days; 3) it mandates the Department of Public Safety to promulgate rules for certification of compliance or extension on installation date to be submitted at the Department of Finance-Licensing Division with new or renewal of business license applications and use fees to establish a subsidy program for businesses that are financially challenged; 4) authorization for police direct access to recordings during a criminal investigation that allegedly occurred at the premise and allows, under subpoena, for civil litigants, through their attorneys, access to copies of the recordings; 5) all fees collected will support enforcement operation, subsidy program, and crime prevention programs.
“Anything that will assist law enforcement effectiveness is necessary for a successful flow of commerce on our islands. It is not only for the local businesses but for the safety of our community, including our visitors,” stated Representative Ogo.
A copy of H.B. 23-63 is available for download at www.cnmileg.net or you may email kuentosmarianas@gmail.com for comments and more information.
