The Protecting Elected Officials Against Coercion and Extremism (PEACE) Act aims to enhance the privacy protections for elected officials by amending sections of the Revised Code to prohibit the disclosure of their residential and familial information under the Public Records Law. Key changes include the insertion of a definition for "designated public service worker," which encompasses elected officials, thereby extending privacy protections. The bill also modifies the definition of "public record" to exclude entries on an elected official's public calendar for dates after the record request, while maintaining certain exemptions for non-public records. These amendments reflect a commitment to safeguarding the personal information of those in elected positions.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding public records requests, including limitations on costs charged by law enforcement agencies and requirements for transparency when handling requests from journalists. It establishes a framework for statutory damages for non-compliance with records requests and mandates that public offices adopt a public records policy. The bill also includes specific regulations for the statewide voter registration database, ensuring that certain information is accessible while protecting sensitive data. Overall, the PEACE Act seeks to balance the need for transparency in public records with the imperative of protecting the privacy and safety of elected officials and designated public service workers.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 149.43, 3503.13, 3503.153