The bill revises various sections of the Revised Code in Ohio, focusing on eviction processes, residential building code enforcement, and real property transfers. A key feature is the establishment of the "legal services housing defense fund," which will be managed by the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation to provide civil legal services aimed at stabilizing housing for low-income residents. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for households and organizations seeking assistance, as well as the application and fund distribution processes. Additionally, it introduces new requirements for county auditors regarding real property conveyances and revises the eviction summons process to better inform defendants of their rights and available legal assistance.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws related to eviction actions, particularly concerning deceased manufactured home park residents, and specifies the necessary information plaintiffs must provide to the court. It also modifies rules regarding continuances in eviction actions and introduces the concept of "suppressed court records," ensuring that eviction-related records remain confidential unless the plaintiff prevails. The bill further enhances building code enforcement by allowing certified individuals, including third-party inspectors, to conduct inspections and approve plans, while also establishing a timeline for these processes. Additionally, it mandates landlords to notify tenants of termination and their eligibility for free legal representation, and it repeals certain sections of the Revised Code to streamline the certification process for personnel enforcing building codes.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 319.20, 1923.06, 1923.08, 1923.09, 3781.10, 5321.17