The bill amends section 2301.27 of the Revised Code to change the civil service status of certain positions within county probation departments from classified to unclassified. Specifically, it states that all positions within the probation department, including those held by probation officers in the juvenile division of a court of common pleas, will now be classified as unclassified service. This change allows for greater flexibility in hiring and managing probation officers, as they will no longer be subject to the same civil service regulations that apply to classified positions.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for establishing county probation departments, including the appointment of a chief probation officer and the hiring of other staff. It also allows courts to contract with nonprofit, public, or private agencies for probation services, specifying that individuals providing these services will not be included in the civil service of the county. The bill further includes provisions for training and qualifications for probation officers and allows for the carrying of firearms under certain conditions. Overall, the changes aim to streamline the management of probation services and enhance the operational capabilities of county probation departments.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2301.27