The bill amends section 2953.25 of the Revised Code to enhance 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 Ohio residents and those living out of state. A new fee structure for filing petitions is established, and eligibility criteria are outlined, including a specified waiting period post-release. Notably, the bill removes the previous requirement that individuals must complete all periods of supervision before filing, enabling them to seek relief more promptly.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a rebuttable presumption that criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify individuals from employment or licensing, allowing employers to apply for licenses for employees holding these certificates despite their convictions. It also offers legal protections for employers who hire individuals with these certificates, recognizing them as evidence of due care in hiring practices. The bill mandates that certificates can be revoked if the individual is convicted of a felony after issuance and assigns the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction the responsibility of maintaining a database of issued and revoked certificates, along with producing an annual report on this information. The existing section 2953.25 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

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