Open Book

The Ohio General Assembly recently passed legislation whose wide-ranging provisions address challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s emergency declaration related to the virus’ spread.

On March 25, 2020, the Ohio General Assembly passed and sent to Governor Mike DeWine Amended, Substitute House Bill 197. Included in the lengthy enactment, in a portion of the Bill which appears at Pages 328 and 329, are provisions which relate to the conduct of public meetings and hearings during the period of the Covid 19 emergency.

President Abraham Lincoln characterized our government as “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” In short, he meant that the government belongs to the people. The business of government is the people’s business.

Legislative updates concerning Ohio's public records and open meetings laws. 

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office provides free Sunshine Laws Certification Training, also known as Certified Public Records Training (CPRT), in Columbus and elsewhere throughout Ohio.