The bill amends section 1923.06 and enacts section 1923.111 of the Revised Code to establish provisions for the suppression of eviction records under certain circumstances. Key changes include the requirement that summons issued for eviction actions must contain specific language informing defendants of their rights and the potential suppression of records associated with the eviction. The new language mandates that defendants be notified that any records related to the eviction action will be suppressed and not accessible to the public until a court order grants possession to the plaintiff. Additionally, if the plaintiff is granted possession, the records may remain private if both parties agree to suppress them.

Section 1923.111 introduces the definition of a "suppressed court record" and outlines the conditions under which eviction records will be suppressed. Upon the commencement of an eviction action, the court will automatically classify the record as suppressed. If the plaintiff prevails, the record will be made public unless both parties agree to keep it suppressed. The bill also stipulates that records will remain suppressed if the action is dismissed or if judgment is granted for the defendant. Furthermore, while the names of the parties involved in a suppressed record can be used for administrative purposes, they cannot be published online.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1923.06