Ohio auditor angry over move to stifle open records audits

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — State Auditor Dave Yost is furious over a move by fellow Republicans to stifle his new public records audit system aimed at resolving disputes over records before a lawsuit is filed.

At issue is a program announced by Yost earlier this year letting individuals or organizations submit a public records complaint against a public entity for a “Sunshine Audit.”

The House GOP version of the upcoming two-year budget would prevent Yost from ruling on complaints that state agencies are violating public-records laws.

Yost tells The Columbus Dispatch the move was an assault on the independence of his office.

House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger says the measure makes clear the delineation of the auditor’s duties, which he says is the Legislature’s prerogative.