OH HB654

Prohibits public employers from inquiring into or considering an applicant's criminal background until after the applicant is selected for appointment and the employer is prepared to make an employment offer.

Allows public employers to deny employment based on prior convictions only after considering six specific factors: whether the offense directly relates to the position, the nature and severity of the offense, the applicant's age at time of offense, the date of the offense, time lived without additional convictions, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Requires public employers to provide written rejection statements with specific evidence and reasons if denying employment based on a conviction, and to send copies by registered mail to applicants.

Prohibits public employers from using arrest records not followed by conviction in employment decisions.

Modifies civil service rules to clarify that convictions used as grounds for employee removal or discipline must have occurred "while employed in the civil service."