Law will better ensure privacy for Ohioans

By Chuck Gibson

COLUMBUS, OH (December 16, 2022) – On Thursday, December 15, the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate passed legislation aimed at improving voyeurism laws to better ensure the privacy of Ohioans.

Jean Schmidt, State Representative, (R- Loveland) (File Photo)

State Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland)  first introduced these provisions in House Bill 406. Earlier this week, she was able to succsessfully amend the bill into Senate Bill 16 in the House Criminal Justice Committeee. 

“We must work to ensure that every Ohioan’s privacy is protected,” said Schmidt . “When the right to privacy is violated, people should be able to count on the perpetrator being brought to justice. We’re faced with a loophole that can make prosecuting for the crime difficult and we cannot wait any longer to take action.”

To align the offense with streaming and broadcasting technology, the legislation will:

  • Update the list of methods for videotaping and photographing to include streaming and broadcasting; and
  • Eliminate a clause in two sections requiring the act be committed for the purpose of sexual gratification to broaden the scope for persons to be charged, thus creating a more secure expectation of privacy.

S.B. 16 now heads to the Governor to be signed.

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State Representative Jean Schmidt is serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 65th house district, which includes northwestern Clermont County.

For more information, contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (614) 466-8134 or rep65@ohiohouse.gov.