The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to enhance the privacy of student information in public schools by allowing schools to withhold directory information and removing it from the definition of public records. It introduces new legal language defining "directory information" as information held by public schools, aiming to protect personally identifiable information from being publicly accessible without proper consent. Additionally, the bill deletes references to the release of personally identifiable information concerning pupils without written consent from parents or guardians, thereby reinforcing student privacy protections and aligning with federal regulations.

Moreover, the bill outlines procedures for public records requests, particularly concerning video records from law enforcement body-worn and dashboard cameras, and establishes a fee structure for preparing these records. It mandates that exempt information within public records must be redacted, and requesters must be notified of such redactions. The legislation also clarifies that public offices must provide written explanations for denied requests and cannot require requesters to disclose their identity or intended use of the records. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the public records request process while ensuring the protection of sensitive information and individual privacy rights.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 149.381, 149.43, 3319.321
As Reported By House Committee: 149.381, 149.43, 3319.321
As Passed By House: 149.381, 149.43, 3319.321