Ohio AG, State Bar Foundation announce creation of new Ohio Sunshine Law videos available to officials and the public

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) have announced the release of eight videos aimed at helping elected officials, public employees, media representatives, and interested citizens better understand Ohio’s Sunshine Laws, which are Ohio’s Open Records and Open Meetings laws.

The Public Records Unit within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office developed the videos, which were funded by a grant from the OSBF.

“Government is most accountable to the people it serves when it operates openly,” Attorney General DeWine said.

“We’re pleased to work with the OSBF to make detailed and useful information about Ohio’s Sunshine Laws easily accessible to the citizens of our state.”

“One of our foundation’s priorities is to improve public understanding of the rule of law,” said Stephen F. Tilson, President of the OSBF.

“In that vein, we are delighted to support the creation of a video series on Ohio’s Sunshine Laws that will help people appreciate what the laws are, why we have them, and how they promote fairness. That’s what the OSBF is all about.”

The videos are available for viewing on the Ohio Attorney General’s website ) and cover the following topics:

• What is a “public office” and what is a “public record” under the Public Records Act?

• How do you make a public records request?

• How is the Confidential Law Enforcement Investigatory Records (CLEIRs) exemption applied?

• Who is a “public body” subject to the Open Meetings Act?

• When can a public body enter into executive session for the purpose of consulting with its legal counsel?

• When can a public body enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters?

• What remedies exist under Ohio’s Sunshine Laws?

• How can the Ohio Attorney General’s Public Records Mediation Program help resolve disputes about Ohio’s Sunshine Laws?

For more information about the Public Records Act, the Open Meetings Act, or the Sunshine Law informational videos, call the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.