Bill > SB204

This bill amends Ohio law to provide greater privacy protections for individuals involved in eviction proceedings by creating a new mechanism for suppressing eviction court records. Under the new provisions, when an eviction action is first filed, the court will automatically make all associated records confidential or "suppressed," meaning they will only be accessible to judges, court staff, parties to the case, attorneys, and authorized judicial staff. These suppressed records remain private if the case is dismissed or the defendant wins the case. If the plaintiff (landlord) wins the case and is granted possession of the premises, the records will remain suppressed only if both parties agree. The bill also requires that the eviction summons now include language notifying defendants about the potential privacy of their records and their rights, such as the ability to seek legal assistance and continue depositing rent with the court. Additionally, the bill specifies that while records may be suppressed, party names can still be used for administrative purposes, though they will not be published online. The goal appears to be protecting tenants from the potential long-term negative consequences of having an eviction record publicly available, especially in cases where the eviction does not result in the tenant being removed from the property.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb204