Ohio House Bill HB373

Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/24

Caption

Allow clerk of court to conduct certain motor vehicle inspection

Impact

The bill's implications for state laws include modifications to the existing protocols for vehicle titles. It will enable clerks of court to verify the necessary details of motor vehicles and off-highway vehicles, thereby potentially expediting the title issuance process. The attendance of an authorized representative at various points of inspection expands access points for vehicle owners, allowing them to comply more easily with the physical inspection requirement, which is crucial for vehicles that were not previously registered in Ohio.

Summary

House Bill 373 seeks to amend sections of the Ohio Revised Code to authorize clerks of court to conduct physical inspections of motor vehicles under certain circumstances. This legislative change is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of processing vehicle titles, particularly for vehicles registered in other states. By allowing clerks of court to perform these inspections, the bill attempts to reduce the workload on deputy registrars and licensed motor vehicle dealers while ensuring that the inspection process remains accessible to vehicle owners.

Contention

However, the amendments proposed in HB373 may generate discussion regarding the responsibilities and liabilities of clerks of court versus deputy registrars. Questions might arise about whether clerks have the requisite training to conduct thorough inspections, and whether this transfer of responsibility could lead to inconsistencies in inspection standards. Furthermore, public safety concerns regarding the adequacy of inspections conducted by clerks could be areas of contention during discussions in legislative sessions.