COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 2, 2026) - The Ohio state legislature has passed a controversial new media law that restricts public access to police body camera footage. The bill, known as Senate Bill 235, was approved by a narrow margin in the Republican-controlled state Senate and House of Representatives.Under the new law, members of the media will no longer be able to request and obtain police body camera footage through public records requests. Instead, access to such footage will be limited to individuals directly involved in an incident captured on camera, their legal representatives, and law enforcement agencies.Proponents of the bill argue that restricting access to body camera footage will protect the privacy of individuals depicted in the videos and prevent the manipulation of such footage by the media. They also claim that the new law will encourage transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies.However, opponents of the bill, including media organizations and civil liberties groups, have criticized the law as a violation of the public's right to information. They argue that body camera footage is a crucial tool for holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and that limiting access to such footage undermines transparency and police oversight."This new law sets a dangerous precedent for government transparency and accountability," said Sarah Johnson, the executive director of the Ohio Freedom of Information Coalition. "By restricting access to police body camera footage, the state is effectively shielding law enforcement from public scrutiny and accountability."The passage of Senate Bill 235 comes amidst nationwide debate over police accountability and transparency, particularly in the wake of high-profile incidents of police violence. Ohio is now one of several states that have implemented restrictions on access to police body camera footage, sparking concerns among advocates for government transparency and civil rights.Governor Mike Harrison has yet to sign the bill into law, but has expressed his support for the legislation. If signed, the new media law will take effect immediately, leaving media organizations scrambling to adjust their reporting practices in Ohio. It remains to be seen how the new restrictions on access to police body camera footage will impact public discourse and transparency in the state.