OH HB636

Enacts section 1923.111 of the Ohio Revised Code allowing courts to seal eviction records upon motion by a tenant, manufactured home park resident, or the court's own motion.

Records may be sealed if the action was dismissed, judgment was granted for the defendant, or the plaintiff prevailed but at least 5 years have passed since judgment and all debts have been satisfied.

Records may also be sealed if the plaintiff consents, the judgment was granted improperly, or the judge determines sealing is appropriate under Ohio Rules of Superintendence Rule 45.

Requires defendants filing seal motions to serve plaintiffs with copies; plaintiffs have 17 days to file a response, and either party may request an oral hearing on the motion.

Limits courts to sealing no more than 5 cases per individual and requires clerk to redact the tenant's or resident's name from all public records, including electronic case indexes, to the same extent as criminal conviction records.