Chapter 15 – A Focus on Mayors & Councils
15.8 Sunshine Laws
Sunshine laws, sometimes referred to as open meetings laws, are state laws designed to promote transparency and accountability in government by requiring certain meetings, records, votes, and deliberations of public bodies to be open and accessible to the public.
These laws apply to city councils and their committees. In Ohio, council meetings generally must be open to the public, and residents must receive advance notice of when and where meetings will take place. Councils must also keep records of their meetings and conduct official business in public, with limited exceptions. These requirements allow residents to follow council decisions and hold their elected officials accountable.
Foundational Facts
In Ohio, open meetings laws are established at the state level. These laws are outlined in the Ohio Revised Code, primarily under Section 121.22. This law applies to all public bodies in the state, including city councils, boards of education, and other local government entities. The state legislature is responsible for enacting and amending these laws to ensure they reflect current standards of transparency and accountability.
These laws are often called “sunshine laws” because they metaphorically bring government actions “into the light,” making them visible and accessible to the public. The term “sunshine” symbolizes transparency and openness, with the idea that public scrutiny acts as a disinfectant to prevent corruption and misconduct.
The phrase is thought to have gained popularity following a 1913 quote by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis: “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.”
