Ohio Law Lets Police Charge for Body Cam Footage

Families of victims of police violence in Ohio are protesting a new law signed by Governor Mike DeWine allowing law enforcement agencies to charge up to $750 for access to police body camera footage. The law, which was included in House Bill 315 without public hearings, has been described as detrimental to transparency and accountability in policing. Ashley Green, mother of 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker, and Shawna Barnett, sister of Andre Hill, both emphasized the importance of accessible body cam footage in understanding police actions and seeking justice. They argue the law disproportionately impacts lower-income communities, where police misconduct often occurs. Critics, including attorneys representing these families, contend that the law serves to shield police conduct from public scrutiny. The law went into effect 90 days after its signing on January 2, 2025.