The bill introduced in the 136th General Assembly seeks to amend sections 149.43 and 5149.10 of the Revised Code and enact section 5149.102, primarily focusing on enhancing transparency in the parole process. It mandates that all parole board hearings be electronically recorded and classified as public records, with specific exceptions. The definition of "public record" is updated to include these recordings, ensuring that they are accessible to the public while also outlining protections for personal information of designated public service workers, such as peace officers and emergency personnel. The bill specifies that sensitive data, including social security numbers and medical information, will be exempt from public disclosure, and it establishes guidelines for redacting certain information from body-worn and dashboard camera recordings.

Additionally, the bill streamlines the public records request process, prohibiting public offices from conditioning record availability on the requester's identity or intended use. It allows for the charging of fees for the preparation of video records and sets limits on these charges. The legislation also introduces a complaint process for individuals aggrieved by non-compliance with public records requests, enabling them to seek legal action if necessary. Furthermore, it requires elected officials to undergo training to ensure compliance with public office obligations and mandates public offices to adopt policies that do not restrict the number of records available or impose excessive response times. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to public records while maintaining accountability and privacy protections.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 149.43, 5149.10
As Reported By House Committee: 149.43, 5149.10
As Passed By House: 149.43, 5149.10