Ohio considers tougher camera restrictions

COLUMBUS — Ohio lawmakers are considering tougher restrictions on automated license plate readers, including limits on police access to vehicle tracking data and stronger criminal penalties. A proposed substitute version of House Bill 725 was posted for the Ohio House Public Safety Committee's third hearing Tuesday. The original bill focused on restricting commercial use of camera data. The revised proposal would also regulate how police access, share and store the information. Proposed restrictions The revisions include time restrictions mandating when police could access data from license plate readers, including Flock-branded ones. Those restrictions include: • For video less than 30 days old: Police could access data for active criminal investigations or qualifying emergencies.• For video 30 to 180 days old: Police generally would need a court order to access the information.• For video more than 180 days old: Police could use the information only under specified exceptions.Agencies generally would have to delete collected or received data within 180 days, with exceptions for ongoing investigations, emergencies and legal proceedings. Penalties would increase The proposal would increase criminal penalties for violations: • Original bill: First-degree misdemeanor, carrying up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.• Revised proposal: Fifth-degree felony, generally carrying six to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.Republican state Rep. Kevin Miller, the bill's sponsor, has raised concerns that private companies can collect and profit from information about drivers' movements without their knowledge. The proposed restrictions would apply statewide to any law enforcement agencies using the technology or obtaining covered data from other departments. Flock Safety cameras and similar systems record license plates, vehicle descriptions, dates, times and locations. Police use the information to investigate crimes and locate stolen vehicles or missing people. House Bill 725 remains under consideration by the House Public Safety Committee. Official records did not immediately confirm whether lawmakers adopted the revised proposal Tuesday. The legislation would still need approval from the full House and Senate before reaching the governor.