Mary Alice Reporting –
Record keeping at county levels in Ohio will undergo modernization following the passage of Senate Bill 94.
It was sponsored by Senator Andrew Brenner and co-sponsor Senate Al Landis and relates to the creation of a program to have documents electronically recorded by county recorders.
Brenner notes it would require digital record copies dating back to January 1, 1980 among other tasks.
“Require county recorders, auditors, and engineers in charge of tax map department to make an electronic recording process available for conveyances by June 30, 2026.
Two areas of appropriations must happen, one being the creation of a document preservation surcharge of $5 that would be directed to the county general fund for support cost of preserving and making digital records publicly accessible.
As part of the bill, Brenner adds that the state will create available dollars for the modernization.
“This will appropriate $4.5 million in one-time GRF appropriation and $1.5 million in the Assurance Fund from the Treasure of State for back scanning for counties that currently don’t meet the mandate of images back to 1980. Language was also added to ensure only counties who have not done work to modernize their documents can seek reimbursement this bill provides.”
In addition, an amendment was made to allow the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife Officers to have abandoned vehicles towed.
Following SB 94’s passage in the Senate and House of Representatives, it went to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk, who signed it into law.
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