The bill amends section 2953.25 of the Revised Code to streamline the process for individuals seeking a certificate of qualification for employment, particularly those impacted by collateral sanctions from prior convictions. It allows individuals who have served time in a state correctional institution or a department-funded program to file petitions with the designee of the deputy director of the division of parole and community services. Those not in these categories can file in their county of residence or where their conviction occurred. The bill establishes a fee structure for filing petitions and outlines eligibility conditions, including waiting periods of one year after felony incarceration or six months after misdemeanor incarceration, which removes the previous requirement to wait until the end of all supervision periods.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for waiving application fees for indigent applicants and clarifies the court's responsibilities in reviewing petitions, emphasizing the need to consider the applicant's criminal history. It specifies that while a certificate lifts the automatic bar of collateral sanctions, it does not eliminate all civil impacts related to certain offenses. The bill also details the information required in the petition, conditions for using the certificate in negligence claims, and provides immunity for employers who hire individuals with such certificates. It mandates the revocation of certificates upon felony convictions post-issuance and tasks the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction with maintaining a database for tracking certificates. The existing section 2953.25 is repealed, indicating a comprehensive update to the legal framework for employment qualifications for individuals with criminal histories.

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
As Enrolled: 2953.25