The bill H. B. No. 2025-2026 seeks to amend section 149.43 of the Revised Code to enhance the protection of personal information for mental health professionals and social workers by preventing the release of their residential and familial information under Ohio Public Records Law. The bill updates the term "designated public service worker" to include "social worker," while deleting references to "forensic mental health provider" and "mental health evaluation provider." This change aims to extend the same privacy protections to social workers as those already provided to other public service professionals, acknowledging the risks associated with their roles.

In addition to these amendments, the bill introduces new definitions and provisions for the protection of personal information for designated public service workers, including peace officers and correctional employees. It outlines procedures for public records requests, particularly concerning video records from law enforcement, and mandates that public offices maintain organized records and provide a current records retention schedule. The bill also establishes a framework for addressing complaints related to public records requests, including statutory damages for non-compliance, and requires public offices to adopt a public records policy and ensure training for officials on their obligations. Overall, the bill represents a significant overhaul of public records law, emphasizing transparency while safeguarding sensitive information.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 149.43