OH HB179

Amends section 2305.15 to clarify that the tolling of limitations periods during a defendant's absence, absconding, or concealment does not apply to statutes of repose, including those in sections 2305.10, 2305.113, 2305.115, 2305.117, and 2305.131 of the Revised Code.

Enacts section 2307.241 to establish rules for tort actions alleging respondeat superior or vicarious liability, allowing injured parties to sue either the primarily liable agent/employee or the secondarily liable principal/employer, or both.

Requires that for an injured party to prevail in a vicarious liability action against a secondarily liable principal/employer, the primarily liable agent/employee must have committed the act while in the course and scope of their employment or agency relationship.

Establishes that a primarily liable agent/employee is not a necessary party to vicarious liability actions except for specific professional claims: medical claims against physicians/podiatrists/physical therapists, dental claims against dentists, optometric claims against optometrists, chiropractic claims against chiropractors, and legal malpractice claims against attorneys.

Declares the amendment expressly overrules the Ohio Supreme Court decision in Elliot v. Durrani, 2022-Ohio-4190.