Ohio Governor Signs Bill Allowing Departments to Charge for Body Cam Footage

Governments could charge up to $75 an hour for work.

Shutterstock photo.

COLUMBUS - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a bill into law that will allow law enforcement to charge the public for body-cam footage. 

House Bill 315 allows law enforcement to charge Ohioans for the estimated cost of processing the video. Governments could charge up to $75 an hour for work with a fee cap of $750 for each request. 

Governor DeWine says because the $75 charge is a permissive fee, hand not a mandatory one, he felt comfortable allowing the provision to become state law. 

Under existing law, police departments charge little to no cost for the service. Currently, police can charge for physical costs, such as a flash drive. 

In a statement, DeWine said he supports the public and news media's rights to access public records. He added that this law is intended to help departments recoup labor costs, as the process of redacting and processing body camera video is often a long and time-consuming task that departments don't get compensated for. 

 

More from Local News

Events

Investigators Seeking Info After Reported Shooting in Whitewater Township

The victims were located along State Route 128.

Newly Formed Drone Team Locates Missing Child in Minutes

The team was called after a 4-year-old with autism wandering away from home.

Longtime Dearborn Co. Deputy Passes Away

Robert Lee "Bob" Waldon was a military veteran and a community servant.

Ryan Knigga Earns 150th Win as Tigers Head Coach

The win propels the Tigers into a sectional championship game this Friday.

High School Football Sectional Semifinal Recap

Six local teams remain alive in the IHSAA Football State Tournament

Batesville's Bedel Competes at IHSAA Cross Country State Finals

The event took place Saturday at LaVern Gibson Championship Course in Terre Haute.

On Air

Chelsie playing
Barbara Mandrell - Country When Country Wasn't Cool

Clay Walker Hypnotize the Moon 8:53
Randy Travis Three Wooden Crosses 8:46
Priscilla Block Things You Didn't See 8:43
JoDee Messina Heads Carolina, Tails California 8:35