Here is a compendium of current issues that affect Ohio’s public entities, plus McGown & Markling news of note.
On March 18, 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published their guidance that local and state businesses and governments are encouraged to follow in order to ensure that their online websites are in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines on web accessibility for people with disabilities. The DOJ guidance provides instruction to entities […]
The Ohio Department of Education (“ODE”) has drafted a model curriculum on proper student interactions with peace officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters for grades 9-12 as required by R.C. 3301.0721(B). ODE is accepting public comments on the model curriculum through March 28, 2022 via survey, which can be found here. To read […]
On March 15, 2022, the Trumbull County Prosecuting Attorney submitted a request for a formal Ohio Attorney General opinion as to whether a township’s fiscal officer may be appointed to fill a vacant public school board position in the same township. The McGown & Markling Team will provide an update once an opinion is issued. […]
The Ohio Attorney General has released the 2022 Sunshine Laws Manual, also known as the “Yellow Book,” which serves as a guide on the rights and responsibilities of public officials and citizens under Ohio’s Sunshine Laws — i.e., the Public Records and Open Meetings Acts. The Sunshine Laws give Ohio citizens a right to access […]
McGown & Markling represents political subdivisions and public officials throughout the State of Ohio and, frankly, we have been blessed to have clients who are dedicated to fully complying with the Ohio Sunshine Laws: The Ohio Public Records Act and The Ohio Open Meetings Act. Open and transparent government is the cornerstone of our […]
School districts derive substantial revenue from property taxes. As a result, McGown & Markling recommends that all school districts actively take steps to protect their property valuation – especially when property owners are seeking to reduce property values. McGown & Markling has experience representing school districts in a variety of property tax valuation disputes, and […]
On March 4, 2022, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost joined thirteen other state attorneys general in suing the Biden Administration for failing to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests seeking communications leading up to a controversial October 4, 2021 United States Attorney General memorandum calling for the surveillance of parents who allegedly threatened, intimidated, […]
On March 1, 2022, the Ohio Attorney General issued a formal opinion to Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp explaining that, under Article XI Section 1(B)(1) of the Ohio Constitution, the Ohio Redistricting Commission may adopt a new congressional voting map by a simple majority vote. The Attorney General further explained that Article XIX Section 3(B)(2) […]