Criminal Justice (Government Transparency)

To amend section 149.43 of the Revised Code to specify that certain election officials are designated public service workers for purposes of the public records law.

HB 609 requires public bodies (like city councils, school boards, and county commissions) to allow public comment before taking formal action on any agenda item. The bill amends Ohio's Revised Code to mandate that these bodies set aside specific time during meetings for citizens to speak about topics under consideration. This change directly affects how local government meetings are conducted, ensuring community input is heard before decisions are made. The key provision is a procedural requirement for public bodies to incorporate public testimony into their meeting process prior to voting.

To amend section 149.43 of the Revised Code to exempt from disclosure under Public Records Law, the name and address of a grand juror and the signature of a grand-jury foreperson, and to name this act the Grand Jury Privacy and Protection Act.

To enact sections 149.437 and 2950.036 of the Revised Code to specify that a video, taken by a public office depicting a minor at a public recreational facility with water activities, is not a public record, and is subject to restricted release, and to prohibit a sexually oriented offender or child-victim oriented offender from establishing or maintaining a library box.