On February 19, 2026, the Ohio Legislature passed a new media law that significantly restricts access to police body camera footage. The bill, known as HB 746, was proposed by Republican lawmakers and has been met with criticism from media outlets and civil rights advocates.Under the new law, media organizations must submit a written request to the relevant law enforcement agency in order to access any body camera footage. The agency then has up to 30 days to review the request and decide whether to grant or deny access. If access is granted, the media outlet must pay a fee to cover the costs of redacting any sensitive information before the footage can be released.Supporters of the bill argue that it will protect the privacy of individuals captured on body camera footage and prevent the unnecessary release of sensitive information. They also believe that the law will help build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.However, critics of the bill argue that it will hinder transparency and accountability in cases of police misconduct. They point out that the lengthy review process and potential fees could make it difficult for media outlets to access crucial footage in a timely manner, particularly in cases of breaking news or public interest.In response to the passage of HB 746, the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has announced plans to challenge the law in court, arguing that it violates the First Amendment rights of journalists and the public to access government information.Overall, the new media law in Ohio marks a significant shift in the state's approach to police body camera footage and raises important questions about the balance between privacy and transparency in law enforcement. As the law goes into effect, it remains to be seen how it will impact the ability of media outlets to hold law enforcement accountable and inform the public about police conduct.