Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has released the 2026 edition of the 'Yellow Book,' emphasizing the importance of digital transparency and cautioning public servants against using messaging apps that automatically delete records. The manual, updated during Sunshine Week, provides guidance on Ohio's Open Meetings and Public Records laws, highlighting the legal and ethical implications of secret communications.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released the 2026 edition of the state’s 'Yellow Book' on Monday, highlighting the dangers of using self-destructing messages in government communications. Yost warned that such practices, common in spy movies, are inappropriate for public officials. The updated Ohio Sunshine Laws manual, timed with the national observance of Sunshine Week, includes a new directive focusing on digital transparency.
Public servants are advised to avoid messaging apps that automatically delete records. Yost cautioned that using disappearing messages will only harm careers and undermine credibility. The 2026 manual specifically advises against using platforms like Signal, WhatsApp, and Snapchat for official public business. The manual makes it clear that Ohio law considers the content of a communication, not the device or application used, to determine if it constitutes a public record. The Attorney General’s office emphasized that using apps that erase data before it can be reviewed or archived could lead to violations of the Public Records Act. Yost underscored the importance of transparency by referencing the recent case of Ohio v. Wade Steen, et al. This case involved two members of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) board who were found to have conspired regarding a significant $65 billion investment through private channels, circumventing board rules. A judge ruled in February that the individuals violated their fiduciary duties, resulting in a lifetime ban from serving on the STRS board. Yost stated in the manual’s introduction that such misconduct erodes public trust and highlights the consequences of secrecy in government. The 'Yellow Book' acts as the primary resource for both citizens and public servants, guiding them through the state’s Open Meetings and Public Records laws. It also contains information on Sunshine Laws training, with free sessions offered by the Attorney General’s Public Records Unit and the Ohio Auditor of State. The training includes a mandatory compliance requirement for elected officials, or their designees, to attend at least once per term. Sunshine Week, celebrated annually during the week of March 16th, commemorates the birthday of James Madison, a key figure in advocating for government transparency. \In addition to the directives on digital transparency, the 'Yellow Book' also serves as a crucial resource for understanding and adhering to Ohio's open government laws. It provides clear guidance on how to navigate the complexities of public records requests and the procedures for open meetings. This edition specifically addresses the evolving landscape of digital communication and the challenges it presents to maintaining transparency in government. The manual serves as a critical guide for public officials across the state, ensuring that the principles of open government are upheld. Furthermore, the 'Yellow Book' stresses the significance of preserving public records, regardless of the method of communication used. It reinforces the importance of maintaining a complete and accessible record of government activities. The update underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent the destruction of public records and ensures the public's right to access government information. The inclusion of the Steen case is a stark reminder of the legal and ethical ramifications of circumventing transparency protocols. It serves as a strong deterrent, reinforcing the need for compliance and accountability. The manual reinforces that any communication related to public business is subject to public record laws, even if initiated outside of official channels or using different technology. This underscores the need for clear training and stringent compliance measures to prevent violations and promote government integrity.\The context for the 'Yellow Book' release coincides with Sunshine Week, a time dedicated to promoting open government and the public's right to information. This timing underscores the importance of the manual's directives and provides a platform to raise awareness about transparency issues. Attorney General Yost's focus on digital communications highlights a significant area for potential abuse and demonstrates a proactive approach to protecting public access to information. The guidance provided by the 'Yellow Book' is not just a set of rules; it's a commitment to upholding the core principles of democracy and public accountability. The manual's impact stretches beyond the legal framework, influencing the culture within government by encouraging transparency and ethical behavior. The training sessions offered by the Attorney General’s Public Records Unit and the Ohio Auditor of State provide public officials with the knowledge and tools they need to comply with the law and fulfill their duties. The emphasis on mandatory training underlines the significance of this issue and helps ensure that all elected officials are aware of their responsibilities. The availability of these resources contributes to a more informed and transparent government, strengthening public trust and ensuring that citizens have the information necessary to hold their elected officials accountable. The 'Yellow Book' itself is a demonstration of Ohio's commitment to the principles of open government
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