Am. H. B. No. 260 amends various sections of the Revised Code to enhance the jurisdiction and operational procedures of municipal and county courts. Key provisions allow municipal court judges to operate outside their corporate limits and clarify their powers, including the authority to perform marriage ceremonies. The bill also repeals outdated sections related to clerks of county courts and the management of court records, aiming to streamline court operations and improve efficiency.

Additionally, the bill addresses the roles of clerks in county and probate courts, allowing for the establishment of branch offices and the appointment of special deputy clerks. It modifies testimonial privileges for attorneys and healthcare providers, clarifying when they may be compelled to testify and outlining the handling of patient communications. The bill also revises definitions and procedures related to grand juries and depositions, including the selection process for grand jurors and the arraignment process for defendants. Overall, these amendments seek to balance the protection of confidential communications with the need for legal accountability and public safety.

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 House Committee: 1901.021, 1901.14, 1901.22, 1907.20, 2111.011, 2307.23, 2317.02, 2317.021, 2939.03, 2939.06, 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, 2317.42, 2939.02, 2939.20, 2941.021, 2943.04, 2945.30, 2945.31, 2945.33, 2945.34, 2945.41, 2945.50
As Passed By House: 1901.021, 1901.14, 1901.22, 1907.20, 2111.011, 2307.23, 2317.02, 2317.021, 2939.03, 2939.06, 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, 2317.42, 2939.02, 2939.20, 2941.021, 2943.04, 2945.30, 2945.31, 2945.33, 2945.34, 2945.41, 2945.50