COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a groundbreaking law that could reshape public access to police video footage. The new legislation, House Bill 315, permits law enforcement agencies to charge up to $750 per video for processing public record requests. This includes footage from police dashboard and body cameras, as well as surveillance video from jails. Payment must be made in advance.
Previously, governments could only charge minimal fees for copying records onto paper, a thumb drive, or another medium. Now, agencies have the discretion to impose these new fees, which are capped to cover production costs.
Governor DeWine emphasized that the bill does not mandate these fees but allows agencies the option to charge them. However, critics argue that the high costs could discourage the media, individuals, and organizations from seeking crucial footage, such as videos of police shootings or arrests.
The bill has ignited significant backlash from police accountability activists and open government advocates, who fear it will obstruct transparency and limit public access to vital information.
