The bill amends section 2953.25 of the Revised Code to streamline the process for individuals with criminal convictions to obtain a certificate of qualification for employment. It allows those who have served time in a state correctional institution or a department-funded program to petition for this certificate through the division of parole and community services, while also providing alternative filing options for individuals residing outside the state or not fitting the specified categories. A new fee structure for filing petitions is established, along with provisions for fee waivers for indigent applicants. Notably, the bill removes the requirement for individuals to complete all periods of supervision after incarceration before filing, enabling them to file one year after release for felonies or six months for misdemeanors.

Additionally, the bill introduces a rebuttable presumption that criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify individuals from employment or licensure, allowing employers to apply for licenses or certifications for employees holding these certificates. It outlines the necessary information for petitioning, including personal details and criminal history, and provides legal protections for employers who hire individuals with these certificates. The bill also mandates that a certificate will be revoked if the individual is convicted of a felony post-issuance and tasks the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction with maintaining a database of issued and revoked certificates, along with producing an annual report. The existing section 2953.25 is repealed, signifying a comprehensive update to the legal framework regarding employment qualifications for individuals with criminal records.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2953.25
As Reported By House Committee: 2953.25
As Passed By House: 2953.25
As Reported By Senate Committee: 2953.25
As Passed By Senate: 2953.25