Schultz Considered Legislation on Police Footage
The assemblymember plans to introduce a bill regarding the release of footage after a death in Elk Grove.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Should states mandate the release of police footage for all deaths occurring during restraint?
Assemblymember Nick Schultz is considering legislation to mandate the release of police footage following deaths that occur during restraint. The move follows the death of 37-year-old Scott Saetern, who died in June 2025 after an encounter with Elk Grove police.
Why it matters
The proposal aims to increase transparency and restore public trust in law enforcement. Advocates argue that internal investigations into restraint-related deaths are inherently biased when conducted by the police departments involved.
The Elk Grove Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into the incident, while the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.
The players
Nick Schultz
He is an Assemblymember who plans to introduce legislation regarding police footage transparency.
Scott Saetern
He was a 37-year-old who died following a police encounter in Elk Grove.
Elk Grove Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is currently conducting an internal investigation into the officers involved in the incident.
Sacramento County District Attorney's Office
This office is tasked with reviewing the police incident to determine if criminal charges are warranted.
The details
Police placed Saetern in a constraint device and spit hood for 10 minutes inside a vehicle during the June 2025 incident. While the county coroner identified the cause of death as cocaine toxicity, footage indicates the county Community Wellness Response Team was not called to the scene.
Timeline
June 2025: Scott Saetern died following a police encounter in Elk Grove.
December 2026: The next legislative session begins, when the bill will be considered.
Legal Context
The proposed legislation builds upon the transparency framework established by SB 1421, which previously mandated the release of specific police records. Current California law does not yet require the disclosure of footage for deaths that do not involve police shootings.
Residents of Elk Grove may see changes in police protocols regarding mental health calls if the Community Wellness Response Team is prioritized in future encounters. The proposed law could eventually provide the public with greater access to information following fatal interactions with local officers.
The takeaway
Legislators are seeking to address gaps in current disclosure requirements for non-shooting deaths involving police. This potential reform reflects a broader state-level effort to standardize transparency and accountability across all law enforcement agencies.
Further reading
For more on ongoing oversight efforts, see Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sacramento Bee.
Live Poll
Should states mandate the release of police footage for all deaths occurring during restraint?
