Ohio Gov. DeWine signs bill allowing departments to charge for body cam footage

OHIO — Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) has sharply criticized Governor Mike DeWine for failing to veto a provision in House Bill 315 that would allow police departments to charge up to $75 per hour for video records, including body cam, dash cam, and jail security footage, in response to public records requests.

“I have nothing but respect for the important work our dedicated police men and women do and the risks they take to keep our communities safe. But, by not vetoing this provision, the governor is enabling some law enforcement departments to charge the public hefty fees in an attempt to avoid the high standards of transparency and accountability the public deserves,” Russo said.

“Public records belong to the public, and access is critical for trust in our communities. The governor said he is willing to work with the General Assembly when ‘unforeseen consequences’ of this provision negatively impact residents, grassroots organizations, and families stuck with unfair financial burdens in the search of critical transparency. I will hold him to that promise.”

The provision, passed during the chaotic lame-duck legislative session with no public hearings, permits law enforcement agencies to impose a $75 hourly fee for processing video records requests, with a maximum charge of $750 per request.

While the fee is not mandatory, critics argue it could hinder public access to critical information, particularly for grassroots organizations and individuals seeking insight into police conduct.

Russo warned that the measure undermines transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

The new law, she said, could discourage efforts to hold police departments to high standards while placing an unfair financial burden on the public.