Rep. Jarrells' Bipartisan Legislation on Grand Jury Protection Unanimously Passes in the House

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State Rep. Mike Odioso (R-Green Twp) successfully passed the bipartisan Ohio House Bill (H.B.) 565, the Grand Jury Privacy and Protection Act, with a unanimous vote.
 
The Grand Jury Privacy and Protection Act aims to protect the identities of Ohioans who serve on grand juries. Previously, jurors were able to serve on grand juries, knowing their identity would be protected. However, the Ohio Supreme Court's 2024 decision in State ex rel. Culgan v. Jefferson County Clerk of Courts stated that the names of jurors can be disclosed under Ohio’s Public Records Law.

“In today’s Ohio, a name is not just a name. A name is searchable. A name can be linked to an address, shared online, stripped of context, and amplified in ways that none of us can fully control. We have all watched how quickly misinformation spreads and how easily individuals involved in criminal proceedings become targets,” said Rep. Jarrells.

This bipartisan legislation protects Ohioans' right to privacy as they serve on grand juries that deal with cases involving extreme violence, corruption, and organized crime. This bill amends Section 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code to not allow the publishing of grand juror identities without interfering with the authority of the courts.

“If we want Ohioans to continue answering the call to serve, we must meet our obligation to protect them while they do. H.B. 565 does exactly that.” said Rep. Jarrells.

H.B. 565 now awaits further consideration in the Ohio Senate.