Rep. Brown Announces House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Ohio's Judicial System

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Richard D. Brown (D-Canal Winchester) announced that House Bill (HB) 305, his bipartisan bill with joint-sponsor Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), which would require that the Clerks of Courts of Common Pleas, Municipal Courts, and County Courts permit electronic filing of court pleadings and documentations, has passed the Ohio House of Representatives.

“Electronic filing is not a new concept, House Bill 305 will modernize Ohio’s court systems,” said Rep. Brown. “This is a commonsense bill which will reduce costs for litigators, individuals, and businesses who use our court systems to resolve disputes.”

Additionally, this legislation:

• Clarifies that our Clerks of Court who maintain electronic systems have the sole authority to spend their funds to modernize systems in the normal course of their duties;
• Allows Municipal Court Clerks to charge up to $20 for new case filings, ensuring that all offices have the funds necessary to implement electronic filing systems. 

HB 305 now moves to the Senate for consideration.