Game Changer for Litigating Public Records Cases: Requesters Have New, Less Expensive Appeal Option

Starting in late September 2016, people requesting public records will be able to file quick complaints in court and use a mediator to try to resolve disputes with public offices.

Under current law, requesters in Ohio typically deal with the public office – e.g., a public school district – when it comes to record requests. If the office delays or refuses to answer, the requester can file a lawsuit via a mandamus action, but that is expensive and generally a long process.