More calls for DeWine to veto higher public record fees
By J.D. Davidson
The Center Square
More calls are coming for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to veto part of a bill passed in the closing hours of the legislative session to allow for higher fees to be charged for certain public records.
The higher fees for specific public records were part of House Bill 315, a 441-page bill introduced on the last day of the legislative session and quickly passed by the Republican-dominated House and Senate.
Among other things, it allows law enforcement agencies to charge high fees for public body camera, dashboard camera and surveillance footage requests.
“Taxpayers have already funded these cameras and footage. Charging additional fees for access is wrong and undermines transparency,” Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President Rep. Terrence Upchurch, D-Cleveland, said. “This footage has often been critical in uncovering the truth in police shootings and other incidents. Justice should not come with a price tag.”
The bill allows agencies to charge up to $75 per hour of video processing, with a cap of $750.
The Black Caucus believes the fees create a roadblock for families, the media and community groups to access the public record, particularly when seeking accountability for things that affect Black and minority communities.
When families seek answers or communities demand accountability, these records provide clarity. Charging the public for access erodes trust and justice,” Upchurch said.
The push comes a few days after the House Democratic Caucus encouraged DeWine to line-item veto the same provisions, along with parts of other bills.
Those requests came in a letter to DeWine and included the controversial House Bill 8, also known as the Parents Bill of Rights. That bill, among other things, includes a provision that requires school personnel to notify parents if a student confides to be gay or has gender identity concerns.
It also requires school districts to allow religious release time during the school day.
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Video Fees
The media should be allowed free copies. They can publish as we so often view on TV news. If needed for criminal cases involving plaintiff or defendant use, the attorneys can pay it if they bring a lawsuit. It also would work to minimize frivolous lawsuits. I do not think the few taxpayers who will never need the video should subsidize others. If there is a fee, the first step is determine the true cost. Law enforcement should only be reimbursed the "true cost" determined by non partisan independent analysts. I doubt if this was done. Just a poor law written by politicians. I do not trust the same Ohio elected officials who just voted themselves a pay raise higher than 2025 COLA increase of 2.5 % for Social Security in 2025. Also, video cameras are often turned on too late. Without prior events being captured. Veto it!
••• Publisher's note: Good points, and yes, DeWine should veto it.