The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to clarify and modernize the roles and responsibilities of municipal court judges, clerks, and deputy clerks. Key amendments include granting judges the authority to adopt rules for court administration and jury selection, allowing municipal judges to perform marriage ceremonies, and outlining procedures for civil actions in municipal courts. The bill also repeals outdated provisions related to clerks' powers and financial management, replacing them with updated requirements for record-keeping. Overall, these changes aim to streamline court procedures and enhance the efficiency of municipal courts in Ohio.

Additionally, the bill addresses testimonial privileges in professional relationships, particularly for healthcare providers, counselors, and clergy. It clarifies that communications between patients and healthcare professionals are protected under testimonial privilege, with specific exceptions outlined for when this privilege may be waived. The bill also updates definitions related to these privileges and introduces new provisions for the admissibility of hospital records and photographs as evidence, while modifying procedures for grand juries and depositions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance confidentiality in sensitive professional contexts and improve the legal framework surrounding testimonial privileges and evidence admissibility.

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