BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) signed legislation last week allowing law enforcement agencies to charge up to $750 for public video records, including items like police body cam video.
The new measure is part of House Bill 315 and could allow law enforcement agencies to charge $75 per hour to process public records requests for public surveillance videos like police dashboard and body cameras and surveillance video inside jails.
The fee could restrict access to video records to the news media, advocates and everyday Ohioans.
The fee for the videos is capped at $750.
DeWine said the public records request processing fee is not mandatory. Each law enforcement agency can choose to set, or not to set, a fee at its discretion.
Locally, Belmont County Sheriff James Zuscack said his office is discussing the new the public records request processing fee and will address it once it becomes law.
Belmont County Public Defender Aaron Miller says the new law would not affect his clients since they are entitled to video evidence through the legal discovery process. He added that are also indigent so they would not have to pay.
Sgt. Tyler Ross of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Public Information Unit said his department is reviewing House Bill 315.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is aware and reviewing House Bill 315 as part of a review being conducted by impacted state cabinet-level agencies.
Sergeant Tyler S. Ross, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Office of the Superintendent,
Public Affairs Unit
Gary Daniels, Chief Lobbyist for the ACLU of Ohio, says his organization is vehemently opposed to the law and sent a letter to DeWine voicing their concerns.
The ACLU of Ohio decries the passage of House Bill 315 with the provisions regarding law enforcement records left intact. With the passage of this bill, Ohioans and news media will now have to pay hundreds, and up to thousands of dollars, to access and obtain videos regarding police practices, controversial shootings, law enforcement misconduct, and more. Worse yet, this was done with zero legislative debate, no public notice, and no opportunity for Ohioans to weigh in with concerns.
Ohioans deserve government transparency, especially regarding policing. Instead, crucial records will now be sequestered behind a paywall few can afford. Advocates, news media, and victims of police actions are right to be concerned how these unnecessary changes will impact their safety and insight into how police operate in and around the state
Gary Daniels
Chief Lobbyist || ACLU of Ohio
In their letter to DeWine, the ACLU of Ohio asked DeWine to veto the bill. You can read the letter below:
