Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is seeking the public's feedback on potential new protections for signatures. Yost emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, "A gap in state law has left your signature – a symbol of your identity – vulnerable to misuse." He further added, "It’s your signature, and we want your input on how to protect it."

The request for comments aims to gather opinions on a proposed rule that would require businesses to adhere to specific guidelines when using a person's signature for purposes unrelated to a transaction. Yost's office is considering implementing new safeguards for consumers based on the feedback received. The proposed administrative rule may mandate that businesses obtain affirmative consent and provide clear disclosures regarding the use of a person's signature in future communications.

The need for increased protections for signatures became apparent after reports emerged of Ohioans alleging that their signatures were being used in correspondence without their consent. To contribute to this important discussion, individuals are invited to submit their comments via email to RFC1@OhioAGO.gov by the deadline of May 24, 2024.

For those interested in reviewing more details, including the full text of the proposed rule, additional information is accessible on the Attorney General's website. For media inquiries, please contact Dominic Binkley at 614-728-4127.