Bill > HB321

This bill establishes the DataOhio Board and sets new requirements for how public records are posted online. The DataOhio Board, composed of various state officials and representatives from local governments and data consumers, will recommend which public records state agencies and local governments should make available online in an "open format," meaning the data can be easily searched, viewed, downloaded, and is machine-readable. The board will also recommend technology and accounting standards for data use and consider creating a central online catalog of data sets. Additionally, public offices that post public records online must ensure they are in an open format and must include a statement in their public records policy detailing which records are posted this way, submitting this information to the DataOhio Board. This bill also amends existing law regarding public records access, clarifying that if a public record is posted online, it must be in an open format, and that a public office's decision on which records to post in this manner is discretionary.