Ohio House Bill HB281

Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/26/23
• Report Pass: 12/4/24

Caption

Require criminal conviction for certain civil actions for damages

Impact

The modification to the Revised Code would impact various aspects of state law, particularly affecting the rights of individuals seeking restitution through civil litigation related to criminal behavior. Advocates of HB 281 argue that this bill will prevent frivolous lawsuits by ensuring that claimants must demonstrate that the offending party has a confirmed criminal background relevant to the case. Such a requirement could discourage unfounded claims and streamline the judicial process by linking civil actions more closely to criminal convictions. Furthermore, the bill's passage could lead to a decrease in the number of civil cases linked to criminal actions, thus potentially reducing the courts' caseloads.

Summary

House Bill 281 seeks to amend section 2307.60 of the Revised Code of Ohio by stipulating that, in civil actions for damages resulting from a criminal act, the defendant must have been convicted, pleaded guilty, or been adjudicated delinquent for that criminal act. This legislative proposal represents a significant change in the evidentiary requirements for plaintiffs who seek damages in such civil suits, establishing a direct correlation between a criminal conviction and the ability to recover damages in civil court. The intention behind the bill is to tighten the legal process in civil claims related to criminal activities, aiming for consistency and reliance on established criminal proceedings to substantiate claims.

Contention

Critics of HB 281 have raised concerns over the impact this legislation may have on the ability of victims to seek justice in civil court. Opponents worry that tying civil claims to criminal convictions may disadvantage those whose cases do not result in a conviction, despite legitimate claims for damages. For instance, individuals wrongfully acquitted or cases where evidence does not meet criminal standards may still warrant civil restitution. There is also apprehension regarding the implications for those acting in self-defense; under the proposed amendments, individuals defending themselves or others might face greater hurdles in seeking compensation for damages endured during such confrontations.