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the public is able to hear the discussions and deliberations of all of the members, even those who are present via telephonic means. Finally, all other requirements of the OMA will apply, including those that govern notice, executive session, and the taking of meeting minutes. The practices outlined above would likely satisfy the requirements of the OMA. They are also consistent with the spirit of R.C. 5502.24(B), which provides that if, due to a declared emergency, it becomes "imprudent, inexpedient, or impossible to conduct the affairs of a local government at the regular or usual place," the governing body may meet at a previously designated alternate location and dispense with legal requirements that qualify as "time-consuming procedures and formalities". During a declared emergency, certain OMA requirements could fall within that category. As a final word of unsolicited, non -legal advice: please note that the procedure outlined in this letter is meant to address the unique situation with that all of Ohio is dealing with. Now is not the time to rely on this guidance in order to enact legislation unrelated to the instant emergency that is better reserved for the normal operations of government (e.g. to pass a new tax or enact a new regulatory scheme). It is also important that county prosecutors, local law directors, and city attorneys independently research whether there is any case law in their respective jurisdiction that would specifically prohibit the procedure that I have outlined here. This office does not represent local governments, and this letter is offered as guidance regarding our reading of the law. This Office's Sunshine Law Manual addresses the modified duties of a public body during a declared emergency. See, Ohio Attorney General's 2020 Sunshine Law Manual, at pgs. 107-109. Further, my Office's Public Records Unit remains available for consultation. Sincerely, Dave Yost Ohio Attorney General