The bill amends sections 149.43 and 5149.10 of the Revised Code and enacts section 5149.102, mandating that all parole board hearings be electronically recorded and classified as public records. It removes certain exclusions from the definition of "public record" related to probation and parole proceedings, ensuring that recordings of institutional parole board hearings, revocation hearings, and other related proceedings are made public, with specific exceptions outlined in the new provisions. This change aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the parole process in Ohio.

Additionally, the bill introduces measures to protect sensitive information of designated public service workers while improving public records access. It prohibits public offices from requiring requesters to disclose their identity or intended use of records, streamlines the process for public records requests, and establishes a complaint mechanism for non-compliance. The bill also mandates training for public office employees on public records obligations and requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to set rules regarding bulk commercial requests. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance transparency in public records with the protection of personal information and the rights of requesters.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 149.43, 5149.10