Does Columbus, OH have its own recording & consent laws ordinance?

No. Columbus, OH does not appear to have a local recording & consent laws ordinance, Ohio state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from ORC §2933.52 - Interception of Communications.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Columbus

Columbus, OH Privacy & Surveillance: Recording & Consent Laws (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: Columbus City Codes § 1913.03(A)(4)
Legal basis: Alsaada v. City of Columbus injunction
Who's covered: Everyone, not just credentialed press
Key limit: No physical interference with arrests/crime scenes
Penalty for officers: Disciplinary action, per Section 1913.07

Summary

Columbus City Code lets anyone record police interactions and protests under a federal injunction from Alsaada v. City of Columbus, so long as recording doesn't physically interfere with an arrest or crime scene.

(A) In accordance with the Permanent Injunction issued by the Honorable Judge Algenon Marbley on December 29, 2021...in Alsaada, et al. v. City of Columbus, et al., Case No. 2:20-cv-3431...(4)...all individuals, regardless of their occupation or nonviolent activity, are permitted to record at protests or whenever any police officer interacts with the public.

Source: ORC §2933.52 - Interception of CommunicationsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 1913.03(A)(4) codifies the permanent injunction Judge Algenon Marbley issued in Alsaada v. City of Columbus (S.D. Ohio, Case No. 2:20-cv-3431), which bars Columbus police from stopping bystanders, press, medics, or legal observers from recording protests or any officer-public interaction. The only limits: recording can't physically interfere with a lawful arrest, enter a closed or cordoned-off crime scene, or obstruct medical aid already underway. The rule sits inside Chapter 1913, which also restricts tear gas, pepper spray, and other crowd-control equipment against nonviolent protesters, and directs the Division of Police to report annually on equipment use to City Council.

Violations & Fines

Sworn personnel who violate any section of Chapter 1913 face disciplinary action under Division of Police policy or the applicable collective bargaining agreement; the injunction itself is enforceable through federal contempt proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally film Columbus police during a protest?

Yes. Section 1913.03(A)(4) says all individuals, regardless of occupation, are permitted to record at protests or whenever any police officer interacts with the public, as long as recording doesn't physically interfere with an arrest.

Where does this recording right come from?

A permanent federal injunction Judge Algenon Marbley issued against the City in Alsaada v. City of Columbus (S.D. Ohio, No. 2:20-cv-3431), which Columbus incorporated directly into City Code Chapter 1913.

Sources & Official References

[1]Columbus City Codes § 1913.03

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All Columbus rules

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