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 aims to provide greater flexibility in hiring and managing probation officers and other staff within these departments.

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 the training and qualifications required for probation officers and allows for the carrying of firearms by probation officers under certain conditions. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the management of probation services while ensuring that qualified personnel are in place.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2301.27