Opinion ID: 4535203
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Motion for statutory damages

Text: {¶ 13} Klein concedes that Ullmann is entitled to an award of statutory damages in the maximum amount of $1,000. Statutory damages are available to a public-records requester who proves by clear and convincing evidence that he or she transmitted to the public office a written request for documents by “hand delivery, electronic submission, or certified mail.” R.C. 149.43(C)(2); State ex rel. Hogan Lovells U.S., L.L.P. v. Dept. of Rehab. & Corr., 156 Ohio St.3d 56, 2018Ohio-5133, 123 N.E.3d 928, ¶ 35, fn.1 (noting that R.C. 149.43(C)(2) was amended to allow public-records requests delivered by “electronic submission” to qualify for statutory damages). {¶ 14} Ullmann’s evidence demonstrates that she sent her records requests to Klein’s office by e-mail. Ullmann complied with the service requirement of R.C. 149.43(C)(2), and Klein has conceded that she is entitled to the maximum $1,000 6 January Term, 2020 in statutory damages. Thus, we award Ullmann statutory damages in the amount of $1,000.