Ohio Public Records Search

Who Do You Contact For Public Records In Ohio?

In Ohio, the Ohio Open Records Law provides access to government records, including public records held by state agencies, boards, commissions, and departments. To obtain public records in Ohio, you need to make a request to the public office that maintains the records you seek. Typically, public records requests are made to the specific agency, department or board that holds the record you seek. The Ohio Attorney General’s office suggests that you contact the appropriate public office's Public Information Officer (PIO) to obtain the public record you want. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office provides information on their website to help individuals looking for public records in Ohio. The website also provides guidelines for fees charged for copies of requested public records. If your request is denied or unacknowledged, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's office. You may also file a lawsuit against the agency in question in Ohio State court. Ohio also has a Sunshine Laws Handbook that provides additional guidance on the statewide enforcement of the Ohio Open Records Law. If you have questions on how to access public records in Ohio, you can consult with legal resources, like the Ohio State Bar Association, or private entities specialized in public records searches.

What Records Are Public In Ohio?

Ohio's public records are governed by the Ohio Revised Code 149.43. The law defines public records as "any document, device or item, regardless of physical form or characteristic, including an electronic record, created or received by or coming under the jurisdiction of any public office of the state or its political subdivisions, which serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office." This means that most records created or received by a public office are considered public records, with some exceptions. Some of the records that are generally available to the public in Ohio include: 1. Court records: court opinions, dockets, and filings are open to the public unless they are confidential by rule of law or court order; 2. Vital records: birth and death records are generally not considered public records in Ohio, although some older records may be released; 3. Government contracts: all public contracts and agreements are considered public records under Ohio law; 4. Meeting minutes: minutes of public meetings, including city councils, county commissions, and school boards, are generally considered public records; 5. Criminal records: criminal history records maintained by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) are considered public records, and may be accessed by individuals who meet certain requirements; 6. Property records: property records maintained by local government offices, including deeds, mortgages, and tax records, are generally considered public records; 7. Campaign finance records: all records related to campaign finances are considered public records, including candidate financial disclosure reports and records of political action committees. It is important to note that not all records are considered public records under Ohio law. Records that contain information that would violate personal privacy, records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations, and records related to trade secrets are typically exempt from disclosure. Overall, Ohio has relatively strong public records laws that generally support transparency in government. Citizens and media outlets have the right to request access to public records, and public agencies are required to provide access unless an exemption applies.

How Do I Make A Change To Public Records In Ohio?

In Ohio, updating or changing public records can be a complex process. The first step is to identify the specific agency that is responsible for maintaining the record in question. The agency in charge will depend on the type of record you are seeking to change or update. Once the appropriate agency is identified, you will need to submit a written request explaining your desired changes. The agency will review your request and determine if it is appropriate to approve your changes. If the request is approved, the agency will update the record and provide you with a copy of the revised record. If your request is denied, you may need to appeal the decision to a higher authority. In many cases, you may need to file a lawsuit to compel the agency to make the changes you are seeking. It is recommended that you consult an attorney if you are considering legal action. It is also important to note that some records, such as criminal records, can only be changed through the court system. This process may require working with an attorney to file a legal petition to have the record expunged or amended. Overall, changing public records in Ohio can be a challenging process. It is important to be patient and to follow the necessary steps to ensure your request is processed correctly.

Ohio State Resources

• Governor Mike DeWine
• Secretary of State
• State Agencies
• State Personnel Directory
• Association of Counties
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Rehabilitation
• Department of Justice
• Legislative Branch
• Judicial Branch
• Census
• BMV

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