The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code concerning municipal courts, including provisions that allow judges to sit outside their corporate limits and establish specific locations within their jurisdictions. It clarifies the powers and duties of municipal judges, such as performing marriage ceremonies and adopting court procedure rules in line with the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio. The bill also updates the nomination process for clerks in municipal courts, requiring declarations of candidacy to be signed by at least fifty qualified electors and filed by a specified deadline. Additionally, it outlines the appointment and compensation structure for clerks based on court population, ensuring that clerks' roles align with current operational needs.

Furthermore, the bill addresses the collection and disbursement of fines and fees by clerks, mandating that fines for municipal ordinance violations be paid into the respective municipal treasury, with specific exceptions for certain counties. It also clarifies the responsibilities of the clerk of the probate court, including providing a guardianship guide to guardians. The bill introduces amendments related to testimonial privileges for various professionals, ensuring confidentiality while allowing for necessary exceptions. It also streamlines procedures for grand juries and depositions in criminal cases, emphasizing defendants' rights and clarifying financial responsibilities for related expenses. Overall, the bill aims to modernize court operations, enhance clarity in legal procedures, and ensure the effective handling of court-related responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 109.04, 1901.021, 1901.14, 1901.22, 1907.20, 2111.011, 2307.23, 2317.02, 2317.021, 2317.41, 2317.422, 2939.03, 2939.06, 2941.61, 2943.02, 2945.51, 2945.52, 2945.53, 2945.54, 1901.16, 1901.41, 1907.21, 1907.231, 2101.12, 2101.121, 2101.14, 2101.141, 2301.141, 2317.03, 2317.40, 2317.42, 2939.02, 2939.11, 2939.19, 2939.20, 2941.021, 2943.03, 2943.04, 2945.12, 2945.30, 2945.31, 2945.33, 2945.34, 2945.41, 2945.45, 2945.50
As Reported By Senate Committee: 1901.021, 1901.14, 1901.22, 1901.31, 1907.20, 2111.011, 2307.23, 2317.02, 2317.021, 2317.41, 2317.422, 2939.03, 2939.06, 2941.61, 2943.02, 2945.51, 2945.52, 2945.53, 2945.54, 1901.16, 1901.41, 1907.21, 1907.231, 2101.12, 2101.121, 2101.14, 2101.141, 2301.141, 2317.03, 2317.40, 2317.42, 2939.02, 2939.20, 2941.021, 2943.03, 2943.04, 2945.12, 2945.30, 2945.31, 2945.33, 2945.34, 2945.41, 2945.45, 2945.50
As Passed By Senate: 1901.021, 1901.14, 1901.22, 1901.31, 1907.20, 2111.011, 2307.23, 2317.02, 2317.021, 2317.41, 2317.422, 2939.03, 2939.06, 2941.61, 2943.02, 2945.51, 2945.52, 2945.53, 2945.54, 1901.16, 1901.41, 1907.21, 1907.231, 2101.12, 2101.121, 2101.14, 2101.141, 2301.141, 2317.03, 2317.40, 2317.42, 2939.02, 2939.20, 2941.021, 2943.03, 2943.04, 2945.12, 2945.30, 2945.31, 2945.33, 2945.34, 2945.41, 2945.45, 2945.50