Public records

Public records in Ohio

Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Statute: Ohio Revised Code 149.43.

Public records law in Ohio

Law: Ohio Public Records Act
Citation: Ohio Revised Code 149.43
Response deadline: No fixed number of days. Records must be promptly prepared and made available for inspection, and copies provided within a reasonable period of time (R.C. 149.43(B)(1)). Courts judge reasonableness case by case, and long delays can be challenged in a mandamus action. Since 2019, police body camera and dash camera recordings are public records, except restricted portions such as images of a death, serious violence, minors, or the inside of a home; a denial of restricted portions can be challenged in court.

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