Senate Passes Bill Expanding Protections for Emergency Dispatchers

COLUMBUS—Last week the Senate passed legislation, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), which adds emergency 911 operators and certain members of the Ohio National Guard to the list of professions whose residential and familial information is exempted from public record in order to better protect them from harm and harassment. "Both our 911 operators and National Guard drone pilots perform critical services to keep our communities safe, but yet their occupational responsibilities uniquely subject them to potential retaliation," said Roegner. Senate Bill 31, if enacted into law, will provide an additional layer of protection for emergency service telecommunicators, commonly known as 911 operators, who provide a critical role in ensuring the safety of our society. Currently, individuals employed as peace officers, parole officers, probation officers, correctional employees, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, prosecuting attorneys and judges, among others, currently enjoy these protections from the Public Records Law. "Senate Bill 31 helps protect these brave men and women, as well as their families by keeping their personal information secure," Roegner added. Every year during the second week of April, telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored during "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week." This week is set aside to specially honor the men and women who respond to emergency calls for assistance, often times offering life-saving counsel and instruction to citizens. Senate Bill 31 will now be sent to the House for further consideration.