Documents, reports, and records definitions.

As used in this chapter, except as otherwise provided: (A) "Public office" includes any state agency, public institution, political subdivision, or other organized body, office, agency, institution, or entity established by the laws of this state for the exercise of any function of government. "Public office" does not include the nonprofit corporation formed under section 187.01 of the Revised Code. (B) "State agency" includes every department, bureau, board, commission, office, or other organized body established by the constitution and laws of this state for the exercise of any function of state government, including any state-supported institution of higher education, the general assembly, any legislative agency, any court or judicial agency, or any political subdivision or agency of a political subdivision. "State agency" does not include the nonprofit corporation formed under section 187.01 of the Revised Code. (C) "Public money" includes all money received or collected by or due a public official, whether in accordance with or under authority of any law, ordinance, resolution, or order, under color of office, or otherwise. It also includes any money collected by any individual on behalf of a public office or as a purported representative or agent of the public office. (D) "Public official" includes all officers, employees, or duly authorized representatives or agents of a public office. (E) "Color of office" includes any act purported or alleged to be done under any law, ordinance, resolution, order, or other pretension to official right, power, or authority. (F) "Archive" includes any public record that is transferred to the state archives or other designated archival institutions because of the historical information contained on it. (G) "Records" includes any document, device, or item, regardless of physical form or characteristic, including an electronic record as defined in section 1306.01 of the Revised Code, created or received by or coming under the jurisdiction of any public office of the state or its political subdivisions, which serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. "Records" does not include personal notes or any document, device, or item, regardless of physical form or whether an assistive device or application was used, of a public official, or of the official's attorney, employee, or agent, that is used, maintained, and accessed solely by the individual who creates it or causes its creation. Last updated July 17, 2025 at 11:42 AM