Jones v. Springfield Township

Per Curiam. This cause comes on appeal from a July 8, 1997 judgment of the common pleas court overruling political subdivision Beaver Township’s motion for summary judgment. Although this matter has been fully briefed, on August 3, 1998, this court issued an order holding this appeal in abeyance pending a decision on the issue before the Ohio Supreme Court whether such a judgment constitutes an appealable order. Although the Ohio Supreme Court has not issued a decision in the underlying case that prompted the order in abeyance, it has issued a decision in State ex rel. Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers v. Sheward (1999), 86 Ohio St.3d 451, 715 *833 N.E.2d 1062. That decision held H.B. No. 350 unconstitutional in toto. The applicable statutory sections (R.C. 2744.02[C] and R.C. 2501.02), which would support an argument that such an order is appealable, were enacted as part of H.B. No. 350. The statutes having been ruled unconstitutional, we therefore hold that the overruling of a motion for summary judgment filed by a political subdivision is not a final appealable order. Prior order holding this appeal in abeyance is vacated and set aside. Appeal dismissed for lack of an appealable order. Costs taxed against appellant. Copy to counsel of record and Judge James Evans. Appeal dismissed.