Ohio House Passes Stewart Legislation Allowing E-Filing of Court Documents

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 305, legislation that will modernize judicial processes throughout Ohio, announced bill sponsor, State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville).

The measure will require the Clerks of the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Courts to permit electronic filing of court documents within nine months of the bill’s effective date. House Bill 305 was endorsed by the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Clerk of Courts Association, and the Municipal Court of Clerks Association.

“The internet is used to do virtually all other types of business in Ohio, and residents should be permitted to utilize this technology in our justice system as well,” said Stewart. “E-filing reduces litigation costs for individuals and businesses who have matters before the Court and is a reasonable service that government should make available to our taxpayers.”

Additionally, the bill provides for parity in existing computerization fees collected by clerks on new case filings, ensuring that all local offices will have the funds necessary to implement these systems without the need for any additional appropriations by the Ohio General Assembly.

House Bill 305 passed unanimously and now awaits consideration by the Ohio Senate.