AG Yost kicks off Sunshine Week with release of 2021 Sunshine Laws Manual

Columbus, OH – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Public Records Unit released the 2021 edition of the Ohio Sunshine Laws Manual Monday.

The Sunshine Laws Manual helps citizens understand their rights and public servants understand their obligations. The manual was created and is updated annually by the Public Records Unit.

In addition to the manual, the Public Records Unit partners with the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office to offer free Sunshine Laws training across the state. The training is also available online at Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s website. Public officials or their designees are required to complete training on Ohio’s Public Records Act at least once per term.

“Secrecy in any relationship destroys trust — a friendship, a marriage or a business partnership. Transparency builds trust,” Yost said. “More now than ever, we in government need to build trust with those we serve. It starts with openness in public decision-making and the records that document it.”

The new manual kicks off Sunshine Week. Sunshine Week is a national initiative that promotes government transparency and access to freedom of information resources. It was created in 2005 and has been recognized annually since.

The full 2021 Sunshine Laws Manual is available below.