Housing (Tenant Rights)

HB 368 requires eviction records to be automatically sealed (removed from public access) after three years. This directly affects tenants who have faced eviction proceedings, as it limits how long such records remain visible to landlords, employers, or others conducting background checks. The bill creates a specific process under Ohio law (section 1923.111) to ensure records are sealed without requiring tenants to take additional action. This policy change aims to provide individuals with a clearer path to housing stability by reducing long-term barriers from past eviction history.

To amend sections 321.261, 701.10, 729.49, 735.29, 743.04, and 743.06 and to enact sections 319.65, 701.101, 701.102, 701.103, 701.20, 701.21, 701.22, 701.23, 701.24, 701.25, 701.26, 701.30, 701.31, 701.32, 701.33, 701.35, 701.36, 701.37, 701.38, 701.39, 701.40, 729.491, 729.492, 729.493, 735.291, 735.292, 743.041, 743.042, 1901.187, and 1907.033 of the Revised Code regarding limitations on recovery and lien imposition by municipalities against property owners of non-owner-occupied properties for unpaid water, sewer, and disposal services rates and charges.

To amend sections 323.25, 4503.06, 5721.01, 5721.18, and 5721.31 of the Revised Code to prohibit enforcement of delinquent property tax liens against certain owner-occupied homesteads.

To amend section 1923.06 and to enact section 1923.111 of the Revised Code to provide for the suppression of eviction records in certain circumstances.