Ohio offices could ask courts to limit disruptive records requests

A public office or records custodian could ask a court to limit or deny certain records requests. The requests must go to the same public office or person responsible for public records. The office must have reason to believe requests are meant to harass it or disrupt its essential work. The requester must receive notice and a chance to be heard. A court may restrict requests only if it finds the required intent more likely than not. The process does not apply to journalists, certain people representing themselves in related lawsuits, or specified government offices and attorneys. While the case or an appeal is pending, the office’s duty to respond to the requests is paused.

A public office or records custodian could hire a private contractor to handle a large records request. This option applies to public offices and people responsible for public records. The request must be large enough that hiring a contractor is reasonable. The office may include the contractor’s services in the fee, but the fee cannot exceed the highest limit in the listed fee schedule. The contractor must promptly return original records, dispose of copies, and keep redacted information secret.

A political subdivision could charge a fee based on the time needed to prepare a records request. This fee option applies to a city, county, school district, or other political subdivision that adopts the schedule. The schedule charges nothing for requests taking up to 10 hours, and caps charges at $25, $50, $100, or $200 for requests taking more time. The office must estimate the fee and let the requester revise or cancel the request. Payment is due before records are released. People in specified categories do not pay the fee, but the exception does not cover anonymous requesters.