(ONN) – A significant change is coming to laws regarding public records in Ohio.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer calls it the most significant alteration to Ohio public records law in more than 25 years.

Text messages and emails between Ohio lawmakers and among their staff will now be exempt from public records disclosure until the next legislative session. 

The changes are similar to new federal laws.

Proponents say it allows legislators to operate without fear of public scrutiny.

Opponents say it eliminates transparency and allows legislators to function under a veil of secrecy making preventive measures untenable.