Unveiling Legislative Shenanigans: A Closer Look at Ohio's Recent Bill
This podcast episode delves into the recent legislative complexities encountered within the Ohio Legislature, specifically focusing on the implications of House Bill 315. The discussion elucidates how this bill, purportedly aimed at revising township law, encompasses provisions that compromise public access to video records, thereby imposing financial burdens on citizens seeking transparency. We highlight the obfuscation of the legislative process, which has engendered skepticism regarding governmental accountability. Citing notable figures such as Frank Herbert and George Orwell, we emphasize the necessity for vigilance and active engagement in the legislative sphere. This episode serves as a clarion call for Ohioans to remain informed and involved in the mechanisms that shape their governance.
Takeaways:
- In this episode, we scrutinize the recent legislative activities within the Ohio Legislature, highlighting issues of transparency.
- We emphasize the critical importance of public engagement in monitoring governmental actions and legislative processes.
- The passage of House Bill 315 illustrates significant concerns regarding public access to information and accountability.
- We discuss the implications of allowing law enforcement agencies to impose fees on public records requests, which could hinder transparency.
- The episode underscores the necessity of remaining vigilant and involved in the legislative process to safeguard democratic principles.
- We invite listeners to join our initiative, aiming to empower Ohioans in influencing their local governance effectively.
WATCH this episode on YouTube:
WATCH this episode on Rumble:
Episode: "Legislative Shenanigans" (January 9, 2025)
GFI's "Lies, Big Lies, Bigger Lies" Series
LINKS IN THIS VIDEO:
Download HB 315 Here:
https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_135/legislation/hb315/08_EN/pdf/
Download Conference Report Here:
https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_135/legislation/hb315/07_CR/pdf/
GFI's Rumble Channel:
GFI's YouTube Channel:
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Transcript
The following is an episode of the Grassroots Freedom Initiative Podcast. This episode is the audio from videos released on our YouTube and Rumble channels. There may be times in this episode when we refer to information displayed on the screen that is impossible to provide in podcast format. However, links to the video version of this episode, as well as links to sources mentioned in this episode can be found in this episode's Show Notes. Now, the Grassroots Freedom Initiative Podcast.
Welcome to The Grassroots Freedom Initiatives Lies Big Lies Bigger Lies series. Today we're diving into a recent example of shenanigans in the Ohio Legislature.
The Ohio House of Representatives in the Ohio Senate, like many legislative bodies, frequently operate in ways that can obscure the truth and limit transparency. That's why we at GFI are asking you to stay engaged and keep a close watch on their actions.
Science fiction author Frank Herbert once said, all governments suffer a recurring problem. Power attracts pathological personalities. It is not that power corrupts, but that it is magnetic to the corruptible.
And George Orwell observed, political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind. These quotes highlight why we must be vigilant about how laws are made and passed. Let me share an example of what we're talking about.
In December's lame duck session, a period between an election and the swearing in of a new General Assembly House Bill 315 was passed. Officially titled Revise the Township Law, this bill did far more than that.
On December 18, in the final hours of the 135th General Assembly, House Bill 315, also known as HB 315, became an enrolled bill and was sent to the Governor for approval as an act. We'll explain more about this process in another video.
Soon, one of the most concerning amendments buried in this bill affects public records requests. Specifically, it allows law enforcement agencies to charge fees for video footage requests. Here's the actual language.
A state or local law enforcement agency may charge a requester the actual cost associated with preparing a video record for inspection or production not to exceed $75 per hour of video produced, nor $750 total.
And it continues where a state or local law enforcement agency imposes such a requirement, its obligation to produce a video or make it available for inspection begins once the estimated actual cost is paid in full by the requester. Think about this.
Your tax dollars pay for these body and dash cams, your tax dollars pay for the officers using them, and your tax dollars fund the support staff processing these requests.
Yet now you might have to pay again just to access the information and fulfilling your request is delayed while the agency works up an estimate, gets it to you and you prepay.
Had the public been aware of this amendment, had we been given time to review it, and had we voiced concerns to our elected officials, perhaps this wouldn't have made it into law. Even some lawmakers were frustrated, Outgoing Senator Niraj Antani said on social media.
yesterday over having to read:For the record, the report was 441 pages, and the final bill was 325 pages. The point here isn't whether this amendment is good or bad. That's for you to decide. What we want to highlight is how the process lacked transparency.
Our legislators talk about being open, but this is a prime example of why trust in government continues to erode at the Grassroots Freedom Initiative, or GFI for short. We're committed to tracking legislation, engaging with representatives, and ensuring Ohioans have a say in shaping their laws. Want to get involved?
Join our network of thousands of Ohioans. It's easy, free, and we won't ask for money. Visit gfiohio.com and click the Join Us button in the upper right hand corner of any page.
Or text the letters GFI to:Please remember to stay informed and stay engaged.
