This week, the Minnesota Senate adopted an amendment from Senator Rich Draheim (R–Madison Lake) to increase transparency and accountability in government. The amendment requires that body camera footage be released within 14 days when an elected official is charged with a felony.

“Elected officials should be held to a higher standard,” said Sen. Draheim. “This is about basic accountability. The public deserves to know the facts, and lawmakers shouldn’t get special treatment just because of their position.”

The amendment follows recent high-profile arrests of legislators from both parties on felony charges. In one case, the legislator resigned. In another, the lawmaker remains in office—and the body camera footage has not been released.

“This is a commonsense step to restore public trust,” said Sen. Draheim. “People are tired of seeing two systems of justice—one for politicians, one for everyone else. This amendment sends a clear message that no one is above the law.”