Legislation in New Jersey would develop a protocol for retaining school surveillance video footage.

The measure has passed both legislative houses unanimously, said a news report. It is waiting for action by Gov. Phil Murphy.

"Some school districts only keep surveillance footage for a short period of time, sometimes just a few weeks," said bill sponsor Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, D-Camden. "That means that if a camera happens to capture misconduct, including the abuse of a child, proof of the incident may be deleted before the abuse comes to light."

The bill states the established protocol would also address measures to limit access to the footage. The Attorney General would be required to review the protocol annually and revise it as needed.