Skip to main content
Back To Top Top Back To Top
The Legislative Service Commission staff updates the Revised Code on an ongoing basis, as it completes its act review of enacted legislation. Updates may be slower during some times of the year, depending on the volume of enacted legislation.

Chapter 5149 | Adult Parole Authority

 
 
 
Section
Section 5149.01 | Adult parole authority definitions.
 

As used in Chapter 5149. of the Revised Code:

(A) "Authority" means the adult parole authority created by section 5149.02 of the Revised Code.

(B) "State correctional institution," "pardon," "commutation," "reprieve," "parole," "head of a state correctional institution," "convict," "prisoner," "parolee," "final release," and "parole violator" have the same meanings as in section 2967.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Full board hearing" means a parole board hearing conducted by a majority of parole board members as described in section 5149.101 of the Revised Code.

Section 5149.02 | Adult parole authority.
 

There is hereby created in the division of parole and community services of the department of rehabilitation and correction at bureau level an adult parole authority. The adult parole authority consists of its chief, a field services section, and a parole board. The director of rehabilitation and correction shall appoint the chief of the adult parole authority, one or more superintendents of the field services section, and the chairperson of the parole board, all of whom shall serve at the pleasure of the director and shall be in the unclassified civil service.

The authority is a regular administrative unit of the department of rehabilitation and correction and shall operate under rules adopted by the director. The chief of the division of parole and community services may adopt supplemental rules governing operation of the authority, assigning specific powers and duties to the chief of the authority, and assigning specific functions to sections within the authority.

No person shall be appointed as chief of the adult parole authority who is not qualified by education or experience in correctional work, including law enforcement, probation, or parole, in law, in social work, or in a combination of the three categories.

Section 5149.03 | Duties of adult parole authority.
 

(A) The adult parole authority shall administer Chapter 5149. and the provisions of Chapter 2967., Chapter 2971., and sections 2301.27 to 2301.32, 2941.46, 2951.06, and 2951.08 of the Revised Code that impose duties upon the authority.

The authority may enter into a written agreement with a person or government entity to share information, personnel, and services for one or more of the following purposes: training, crime interdiction, fugitive apprehension, and community supervision. The agreement may permit the authority to act in concert with and provide assistance to a law enforcement agency, as defined in section 5101.26 of the Revised Code, in detecting, tracking, apprehending, or detaining an individual subject to arrest.

(B)(1) As used in division (B) of this section:

(a) "Ohio prisoner" has the same meaning as in section 5120.64 of the Revised Code.

(b) "Out-of-state prisoner" and "private contractor" have the same meanings as in section 9.07 of the Revised Code.

(2) The adult parole authority, in order to discharge its duties under Chapters 2967. and 5149. of the Revised Code, may enter into a contract with a private person or entity for the return of Ohio prisoners who are the responsibility of the department of rehabilitation and correction from outside of this state to a location in this state specified by the adult parole authority. If the adult parole authority enters into a contract as described in this division, subject to division (B)(3) of this section, the private person or entity in accordance with the contract may return Ohio prisoners from outside of this state to locations in this state specified by the adult parole authority. A contract entered into under this division shall include all of the following:

(a) Specific provisions that assign the responsibility for costs related to medical care of prisoners while they are being returned that is not covered by insurance of the private person or entity;

(b) Specific provisions that set forth the number of days, not exceeding ten, within which the private person or entity, after it receives the prisoner in the other state, must deliver the prisoner to the location in this state specified by the adult parole authority, subject to the exceptions adopted as described in division (B)(2)(c) of this section;

(c) Any exceptions to the specified number of days for delivery specified as described in division (B)(2)(b) of this section;

(d) A requirement that the private person or entity immediately report all escapes of prisoners who are being returned to this state, and the apprehension of all prisoners who are being returned and who have escaped, to the adult parole authority and to the local law enforcement agency of this state or another state that has jurisdiction over the place at which the escape occurs;

(e) A schedule of fines that the adult parole authority shall impose upon the private person or entity if the private person or entity fails to perform its contractual duties, and a requirement that, if the private person or entity fails to perform its contractual duties, the adult parole authority shall impose a fine on the private person or entity from the schedule of fines and, in addition, may exercise any other rights it has under the contract.

(f) If the contract is entered into on or after the effective date of the rules adopted by the department of rehabilitation and correction under section 5120.64 of the Revised Code, specific provisions that comport with all applicable standards that are contained in those rules.

(3) If the private person or entity that enters into the contract fails to perform its contractual duties, the adult parole authority shall impose upon the private person or entity a fine from the schedule, the money paid in satisfaction of the fine shall be paid into the state treasury, and the adult parole authority may exercise any other rights it has under the contract. If a fine is imposed under this division, the adult parole authority may reduce the payment owed to the private person or entity pursuant to any invoice in the amount of the fine.

(4) Upon the effective date of the rules adopted by the department of rehabilitation and correction under section 5120.64 of the Revised Code, notwithstanding the existence of a contract entered into under division (B)(2) of this section, in no case shall the private person or entity that is a party to the contract return Ohio prisoners from outside of this state into this state for the adult parole authority unless the private person or entity complies with all applicable standards that are contained in the rules.

(5) Divisions (B)(1) to (4) of this section do not apply regarding any out-of-state prisoner who is brought into this state to be housed pursuant to section 9.07 of the Revised Code in a correctional facility in this state that is managed and operated by a private contractor.

Section 5149.031 | Use of private vehicle by parole officer on duty.
 

No parole officer employed by the adult parole authority shall be required while engaged in the course of the parole officer's employment or official responsibilities for the adult parole authority to use the parole officer's privately owned motor vehicle to transport any offender, an offender's relatives or associates, or any urine sample.

Section 5149.04 | Field services section.
 

(A) Persons paroled, conditionally pardoned, or released to community supervision shall be under jurisdiction of the adult parole authority and shall be supervised by the field services section through its staff of parole and field officers in such manner as to insure as nearly as possible the offender's rehabilitation while at the same time providing maximum protection to the general public. All state and local officials shall furnish such information to officers of the section as they may request in the performance of their duties.

(B) The superintendent, or superintendents, of the field services section shall be a person, or persons, especially qualified by training and experience in the field of corrections. The superintendent, or superintendents, shall supervise the work of the section and shall formulate and execute an effective program of offender supervision. The superintendent, or superintendents, shall collect and preserve any records and statistics with respect to offenders that are required by the chief of the authority. The section also shall include other personnel who are necessary for the performance of the section's duties.

No person shall be appointed as a superintendent who is not qualified by education or experience in correctional work including law enforcement, probation, or parole work, in law, in social work, or in a combination of the three categories.

(C) The superintendent, or superintendents, of the field services section, with the approval of the chief of the authority, may establish district offices for the section and may assign necessary parole and field officers and clerical staff to the district offices.

(D) The field services section in the exercise of its supervision over offenders and persons conditionally pardoned shall carry out all lawful orders, terms, and conditions prescribed by the authority, the chief of the division of parole and community services, or the governor.

Section 5149.05 | Training requirements for permission to carry firearm.
 

The chief of the adult parole authority may grant an employee permission to carry a firearm in the discharge of the employee's official duties if the employee has successfully completed a basic firearm training program that is approved by the executive director of the Ohio peace officer training commission. In order to continue to carry a firearm in the discharge of the employee's official duties, the employee annually shall successfully complete a firearms requalification program in accordance with section 109.801 of the Revised Code.

Section 5149.06 | Duties of field services section.
 

One of the primary duties of the field services section is to assist the counties in developing their own probation services on either a single-county or multiple-county basis. The section, within limits of available personnel and funds, may supervise selected probationers from local courts.

Section 5149.07 | Maintenance of files and records.
 

The department of rehabilitation and correction shall maintain central files and records pertaining to the work of the adult parole authority, and shall coordinate the department's record-keeping with that of the adult parole authority. Additionally, the department shall not later than the first Monday of January of odd-numbered years prepare and submit to the governor for the governor's approval and signature a written report showing each case of pardon, commutation, or reprieve granted during the preceding biennium, stating the name and crime of the convict or prisoner, the sentence, its date, and the date of the clemency action, together with the reasons listed therefor in the governor's clemency record. The report shall conform to the requirements of Section 11 of Article III, Ohio Constitution.

The department shall conduct research relative to the functioning of clemency, probation, and parole as part of the adult corrections program in this state, which research shall be designed to yield information upon which the division of parole and community services, the department of rehabilitation and correction, the governor, and the general assembly can base policy decisions.

At the end of each quarter, the department shall submit to the chairpersons of the committees of the senate and the house of representatives that consider criminal justice legislation a report on the number and results of parole hearings conducted during the quarter and a list of persons incarcerated for committing offenses of violence who were granted parole and a summary of the terms and conditions of their parole. The department shall provide the committees with any documentation related to the reports that members of the committees may request.

Upon request, the department shall provide a detailed statement, supported by documentation, of the reasons why a particular prisoner was granted parole to the law enforcement agency that arrested the prisoner, the prosecuting attorney who prosecuted the case, or any person who is a member of the general assembly at the time the person makes the request.

Section 5149.08 | Attorney general duties.
 

The attorney general is the legal adviser of the adult parole authority, its officers and employees, and neither the authority nor any of its officers or employees shall employ or be represented in its or his official capacity by any other counsel or attorney at law.

Section 5149.09 | Appointing officers and employees.
 

The chief of the division of parole and community services is the principal appointing authority of the adult parole authority, and the chief shall appoint all officers and employees of the authority except for those officers appointed by the director of rehabilitation and correction pursuant to section 5149.02 or division (B) of section 5149.10 of the Revised Code.

Section 5149.10 | Parole board.
 

(A)(1) The parole board shall consist of up to twelve members, one of whom shall be designated as chairperson by the director of the department of rehabilitation and correction and who shall continue as chairperson until a successor is designated, and any other personnel that are necessary for the orderly performance of the duties of the board. In addition to the rules authorized by section 5149.02 of the Revised Code, the chief of the adult parole authority, subject to the approval of the chief of the division of parole and community services and subject to this section, shall adopt rules governing the proceedings of the parole board. The rules shall provide for all of the following:

(a) The convening of full board hearings;

(b) The procedures to be followed in full board hearings;

(c) General procedures to be followed in other hearings of the board and by the board's hearing officers;

(d) A requirement that a majority of all the board members must agree to any recommendation of clemency transmitted to the governor;

(e) For parole hearings, procedures for considering the report of the warden of the institution in which the eligible prisoner is incarcerated, submitted under section 5120.68 of the Revised Code.

(2) When the board members sit as a full board, the chairperson shall preside. The chairperson shall also allocate the work of the parole board among the board members. The full board shall meet at least once each month. In the case of a tie vote on the full board, the chief of the adult parole authority shall cast the deciding vote. The chairperson may designate a person to serve in the chairperson's place.

(3) Except for the chairperson and the member appointed under division (B) of this section, a member appointed to the parole board on or after September 30, 2011, shall be appointed to a six-year term. A member appointed as described in this division shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. A member appointed as described in this division is eligible for reappointment for another six-year term that may or may not be consecutive to the first six-year term. A member appointed as described in this division is not eligible for reappointment after serving two six-year terms whether or not served consecutively. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner provided for original appointments. Any member appointed as described in this division to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall begin that member's first six-year term upon appointment, regardless of the time remaining in the term of the member's predecessor. A member appointed as described in this division shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in division (B) of this section, no person shall be appointed a member of the board who is not qualified by education or experience in correctional work, including law enforcement, prosecution of offenses, advocating for the rights of victims of crime, probation, or parole, in law, in social work, or in a combination of the three categories.

(B) The director of rehabilitation and correction, in consultation with the governor, shall appoint one member of the board, who shall be a person who has been a victim of crime or who is a member of a victim's family or who represents an organization that advocates for the rights of victims of crime. After appointment, this member shall be an unclassified employee of the department of rehabilitation and correction.

The initial appointment shall be for a term ending four years after July 1, 1996. Thereafter, the term of office of the member appointed under this division shall be for four years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. The member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed and may be reappointed. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointments. Any member appointed under this division to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office as a member for the remainder of that term. The member appointed under this division shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

The member appointed under this division shall be compensated in the same manner as other board members and shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the member's duties. The member may vote on all cases heard by the full board under section 5149.101 of the Revised Code, has such duties as are assigned by the chairperson of the board, and shall coordinate the member's activities with the office of victims' services created under section 5120.60 of the Revised Code.

As used in this division, "crime," "member of the victim's family," and "victim" have the meanings given in section 2930.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) The chairperson shall submit all recommendations for or against clemency directly to the governor.

(D) The chairperson shall transmit to the chief of the adult parole authority all determinations for or against parole made by the board. Parole determinations are final and are not subject to review or change by the chief.

(E) In addition to its duties pertaining to parole and clemency, if an offender is sentenced to a prison term pursuant to division (A)(3), (B)(1)(a), (b), or (c), (B)(2)(a), (b), or (c), or (B)(3)(a), (b), (c), or (d) of section 2971.03 of the Revised Code, the parole board shall have control over the offender's service of the prison term during the entire term unless the board terminates its control in accordance with section 2971.04 of the Revised Code. The parole board may terminate its control over the offender's service of the prison term only in accordance with section 2971.04 of the Revised Code.

Section 5149.101 | Full board hearings.
 

(A)(1)(a) A victim of a violation of section 2903.01 or 2903.02 of the Revised Code, an offense of violence that is a felony of the first, second, or third degree, or an offense punished by a sentence of life imprisonment, the victim's representative, or any person described in division (B)(5) of this section may request, through the office of victims' services, for the board to hold a full board hearing that relates to the proposed parole or re-parole of the person that committed the violation. If a victim, victim's representative, or any person described in division (B)(5) of this section requests a full board hearing pursuant to this division, the board shall hold a full board hearing.

(b) A family member of a victim who is not described in division (B)(5) of this section may request, through the office of victims' services, for the board to hold a full board hearing that relates to the proposed parole or re-parole of a person who committed a violation of section 2903.01 or 2903.02 of the Revised Code, an offense of violence that is a felony of the first, second, or third degree, or an offense punished by a sentence of life imprisonment. At a meeting of the board at which a majority of board members are present, the majority of those present shall determine whether a full board hearing shall be held, if a family member of the victim makes a request pursuant to this division.

(c) If a person is convicted of a violation of section 2903.01 or 2903.02 of the Revised Code, an offense of violence that is a felony of the first, second, or third degree, or an offense punished by a sentence of life imprisonment, the prosecuting attorney may submit a request directly to the board to hold a full board hearing that relates to the proposed parole or re-parole of the person who committed the violation. If the prosecutor requests a full board hearing pursuant to this division, the board shall hold a full board hearing.

(2) At least thirty days before the full hearing, except as otherwise provided in this division, the board shall give notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing to the victim regardless of whether the victim has requested the notification. The notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing shall not be given under this division to a victim if the victim has requested pursuant to division (B)(2) of section 2930.03 of the Revised Code that the notice not be provided to the victim. At least thirty days before the full board hearing and regardless of whether the victim has requested that the notice be provided or not be provided under this division to the victim, the board shall give similar notice to the prosecuting attorney in the case, the law enforcement agency that arrested the prisoner if any officer of that agency was a victim of the offense, and, if different than the victim, the person who requested the full hearing. If the prosecuting attorney has not previously been sent an institutional summary report with respect to the prisoner, upon the request of the prosecuting attorney, the board shall include with the notice sent to the prosecuting attorney an institutional summary report that covers the offender's participation while confined in a state correctional institution in training, work, and other rehabilitative activities and any disciplinary action taken against the offender while so confined. Upon the request of a law enforcement agency that has not previously been sent an institutional summary report with respect to the prisoner, the board also shall send a copy of the institutional summary report to the law enforcement agency. If notice is to be provided as described in this division, the board may give the notice by any reasonable means, including regular mail, telephone, and electronic mail, in accordance with division (D)(1) of section 2930.16 of the Revised Code. If the notice is based on an offense committed prior to March 22, 2013, the notice also shall include the opt-out information described in division (D)(1) of section 2930.16 of the Revised Code. The board, in accordance with division (D)(2) of section 2930.16 of the Revised Code, shall keep a record of all attempts to provide the notice, and of all notices provided, under this division.

The preceding paragraph, and the notice-related provisions of divisions (E)(2) and (K) of section 2929.20, division (D)(1) of section 2930.16, division (H) of section 2967.12, division (E)(1)(b) of section 2967.19 as it existed prior to April 4, 2023, division (A)(3)(b) of section 2967.26, and division (D)(1) of section 2967.28 of the Revised Code enacted in the act in which this paragraph was enacted, shall be known as "Roberta's Law."

(B) At a full board hearing that relates to the proposed parole or re-parole of a prisoner and that has been petitioned for or requested in accordance with division (A) of this section, the parole board shall permit the following persons to appear and to give testimony or to submit written statements:

(1) The prosecuting attorney of the county in which the original indictment against the prisoner was found and members of any law enforcement agency that assisted in the prosecution of the original offense;

(2) The judge of the court of common pleas who imposed the original sentence of incarceration upon the prisoner, or the judge's successor;

(3) The victim of the original offense for which the prisoner is serving the sentence or the victim's representative designated pursuant to section 2930.02 of the Revised Code;

(4) The victim of any behavior that resulted in parole being revoked;

(5) With respect to a full board hearing held pursuant to division (A)(1)(a) or (c) of this section, all of the following:

(a) The spouse of the victim of the original offense;

(b) The parent or parents of the victim of the original offense;

(c) The sibling of the victim of the original offense;

(d) The child or children of the victim of the original offense.

(6) A state public defender when designated by the director of the department of rehabilitation and correction pursuant to division (A)(5) of section 120.06 of the Revised Code, private counsel, or some other person designated by the prisoner as a representative, as permitted by the board.

(C) Except as otherwise provided in this division, a full board hearing of the parole board is not subject to section 121.22 of the Revised Code. The persons who may attend a full board hearing are the persons described in divisions (B)(1) to (6) of this section, and representatives of the press, radio and television stations, and broadcasting networks who are members of a generally recognized professional media organization.

At the request of a person described in division (B)(3) of this section, representatives of the news media described in this division shall be excluded from the hearing while that person is giving testimony at the hearing. The prisoner being considered for parole has no right to be present at the hearing, but may be represented as described in division (B)(6) of this section.

If there is an objection at a full board hearing to a recommendation for the parole of a prisoner, the board may approve or disapprove the recommendation or defer its decision until a subsequent full board hearing. The board may permit interested persons other than those listed in this division and division (B) of this section to attend full board hearings pursuant to rules adopted by the adult parole authority.

(D) If the victim of the original offense died as a result of the offense and the offense was aggravated murder, murder, an offense of violence that is a felony of the first, second, or third degree, or an offense punished by a sentence of life imprisonment, the family of the victim may show at a full board hearing a video recording not exceeding five minutes in length memorializing the victim.

(E) The adult parole authority shall adopt rules for the implementation of this section. The rules shall specify reasonable restrictions on the number of media representatives that may attend a hearing, based on considerations of space, and other procedures designed to accomplish an effective, orderly process for full board hearings.

Last updated September 19, 2023 at 3:25 PM

Section 5149.11 | Oaths - subpoenas - witnesses.
 

In the exercise of any of the powers vested in the adult parole authority, the chief of the authority, any member of the board, or any hearing officer may administer oaths and in the name of the authority may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum. The authority may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of records and papers of all kinds and description including any and all books, accounts, documents, memorandums, and transcripts of testimony, pertaining to any inquiry within the powers and duties of the authority. Upon the failure of any person to comply with any order of the authority or any subpoena or subpoena duces tecum lawfully issued, or upon the refusal of any witness to testify to any matter regarding which the witness may be lawfully interrogated, a judge of the court of common pleas of any county in this state, on the application of the authority, shall compel obedience by attachment proceedings for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from a court of common pleas or a refusal to testify therein.

Each witness who appears before the authority or before a member of the parole board by the authority's or member's order shall receive for attendance the fees and mileage provided for under section 119.094 of the Revised Code, and the fees and mileage shall be audited and paid out of the state treasury in the same manner as other expenses are audited and paid, upon the presentation of properly verified vouchers approved by the chief of the authority.

The chief of the authority or a member of the board, or any party who is the subject of the investigation, may in any investigation cause depositions of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in the manner prescribed by sections 2319.08, 2319.09, 2319.11, and 2319.27 of the Revised Code and the Civil Rules.

Copies of the proceedings, minutes, actions, findings, recommendations, orders, and other records of the authority or its predecessors shall be verified and certified to by the officer conducting or responsible for such and attested by the chief of the authority, and when certified and attested shall be received in evidence as proof of the facts therein stated.

Minutes, actions, findings, recommendations, determinations, and orders made and kept by the adult parole authority are public records.

Section 5149.12 | General supervision of probation and parole.
 

The adult parole authority shall exercise general supervision over the work of all probation and parole officers throughout the state, excluding those appointed in county probation departments and those appointed by municipal judges.

Section 5149.18 | Interstate compact for supervision of parolees and probationers definitions.
 

For the purposes of Chapter 5149. of the Revised Code, all of the following apply:

(A) "State, states, or States" means one or several of the fifty states of the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

(B) The term "parole" includes post-release control under section 2967.28 of the Revised Code.

(C) The term "probation" includes non-prison sanctions imposed under sections 2929.16, 2929.17, and 2929.18 of the Revised Code and community control sanctions imposed under sections 2929.26, 2929.27, and 2929.28 of the Revised Code.

Section 5149.21 | Interstate compact for adult offender supervision.
 

The "interstate compact for adult offender supervision" is hereby enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining in that compact in the form substantially as follows:

"INTERSTATE COMPACT FOR ADULT OFFENDER SUPERVISION

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

The compacting states to this interstate compact recognize that each state is responsible for the supervision of adult offenders in the community who are authorized pursuant to the bylaws and rules of this compact to travel across state lines both to and from each compacting state in such a manner as to track the location of offenders, transfer supervision authority in an orderly and efficient manner, and when necessary return offenders to the originating jurisdictions. The compacting states also recognize that Congress, by enacting the "Crime Control Act," 4 U.S.C. Section 112 (1965), has authorized and encouraged compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in the prevention of crime.

It is the purpose of this compact and the interstate commission created under this compact, through means of joint and cooperative action among the compacting states: to provide the framework for the promotion of public safety and protect the rights of victims through the control and regulation of the interstate movement of offenders in the community; to provide for the effective tracking, supervision, and rehabilitation of these offenders by the sending and receiving states; and to equitably distribute the costs, benefits, and obligations of the compact among the compacting states.

In addition, this compact will: create an interstate commission that will establish uniform procedures to manage the movement between states of adults placed under community supervision and released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, paroling authorities, corrections, or other criminal justice agencies that will promulgate rules to achieve the purpose of this compact; ensure an opportunity for input and timely notice to victims and to jurisdictions where defined offenders are authorized to travel or to relocate across state lines; establish a system of uniform data collection, access to information on active cases by authorized criminal justice officials, and regular reporting of compact activities to heads of state councils, state executive, judicial, and legislative branches and criminal justice administrators; monitor compliance with rules governing interstate movement of offenders and initiate interventions to address and correct noncompliance; and coordinate training and education regarding regulations of interstate movement of offenders for officials involved in such activity.

The compacting states recognize that there is no "right" of any offender to live in another state and that duly accredited officers of a sending state may at all times enter a receiving state and in that state apprehend and retake any offender under supervision subject to the provisions of this compact and bylaws and rules promulgated under this compact. It is the policy of the compacting states that the activities conducted by the interstate commission created in this compact are the formation of public policies and are therefore public business.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:

(A) "Adult" means both individuals legally classified as adults and juveniles treated as adults by court order, statute, or operation of law.

(B) "Bylaws" means those bylaws established by the interstate commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling the interstate commission's actions or conduct.

(C) "Compact administrator" means the individual in each compacting state who is appointed pursuant to the terms of this compact and who is responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of offenders subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the interstate commission, and policies adopted by the state council under this compact.

(D) "Compacting state" means any state that has enacted the enabling legislation for this compact.

(E) "Commissioner" means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed pursuant to Article III of this compact.

(F) "Interstate commission" means the interstate commission for adult offender supervision established by this compact.

(G) "Member" means the commissioner of a compacting state or designee, who is a person officially connected with the commissioner.

(H) "Noncompacting state" means any state that has not enacted the enabling legislation for this compact.

(I) "Offender" means an adult placed under, or subject, to supervision as the result of the commission of a criminal offense and released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, paroling authorities, corrections, or other criminal justice agencies.

(J) "Person" means any individual, corporation, business enterprise, or other legal entity, either public or private.

(K) "Rules" means acts of the interstate commission, duly promulgated pursuant to Article VIII of this compact, substantially affecting interested parties in addition to the interstate commission.

The rules shall have the force and effect of law in the compacting states.

(L) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, and any other territorial possessions of the United States.

(M) "State council" means the resident members of the state council for interstate adult offender supervision created by each state under Article III of this compact.

ARTICLE III

THE COMPACT COMMISSION

The compacting states hereby create the "interstate commission for adult offender supervision." The interstate commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the compacting states. The interstate commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers, and duties set forth in this compact, including the power to sue and be sued, and any additional powers that may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the compacting states in accordance with the terms of this compact.

The interstate commission shall consist of commissioners selected and appointed by resident members of a state council for interstate adult offender supervision for each state.

In addition to the commissioners who are the voting representatives of each state, the interstate commission shall include individuals who are not commissioners but who are members of interested organizations. The non-commissioner members must include a member of the national organizations of governors, legislators, state chief justices, attorneys general, and crime victims. All non-commissioner members of the interstate commission shall be ex-officio (nonvoting) members. The interstate commission may provide in its bylaws for any additional, ex-officio, nonvoting members that it deems necessary.

Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the interstate commission is entitled to one vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the interstate commission. The interstate commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of twenty-seven or more compacting states, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings, and meetings shall be open to the public.

The interstate commission shall establish an executive committee, which shall include commission officers, members, and others as shall be determined by the bylaws. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission during periods when the interstate commission is not in session, with the exception of rulemaking or amendment to the compact. The executive committee oversees the day-to-day activities managed by the executive director and interstate commission staff; administers enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws, and as directed by the interstate commission; and performs other duties as directed by commission or set forth in the bylaws.

ARTICLE IV

THE STATE COUNCIL

Each member state shall create a state council for interstate adult offender supervision. The compact administrator or the administrator's designee shall be the commissioner of the state council to serve on the interstate commission. While each member state may determine the membership of its own state council, its membership must include at least one representative from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government, victims groups, and compact administrators. Each compacting state retains the right to determine the qualifications of the compact administrator who shall be appointed by the governor. In addition to appointment of its commissioner to the national interstate commission, each state council shall exercise oversight and advocacy concerning its participation in interstate commission activities and other duties as may be determined by each member state, including, but not limited to, development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the compact within that state.

ARTICLE V

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

The interstate commission shall have the following powers:

(A) To adopt a seal and suitable bylaws governing the management and operation of the interstate commission;

(B) To promulgate rules that have the force and effect of statutory law and are binding in the compacting states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact;

(C) To oversee, supervise, and coordinate the interstate movement of offenders subject to the terms of this compact and any bylaws adopted and rules promulgated by the compact commission;

(D) To enforce compliance with compact provisions, interstate commission rules, and bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including, but not limited to, the use of judicial process;

(E) To establish and maintain offices;

(F) To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

(G) To borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, members and their staffs;

(H) To establish and appoint committees and hire staff that it considers necessary for the carrying out of its functions, including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by Article III of this compact. The committees shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission in carrying out its powers and duties under this compact.

(I) To elect or appoint any officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties, and determine their qualifications; and to establish the interstate commission's personnel policies and programs relating to, among other things, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel;

(J) To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of those donations and grants;

(K) To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use any property, real, personal, or mixed;

(L) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed;

(M) To establish a budget and make expenditures and levy dues as provided in Article X of this compact;

(N) To sue and be sued;

(O) To provide for dispute resolution among compacting states;

(P) To perform any functions that may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact;

(Q) To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils of the compacting states concerning the activities of the interstate commission during the preceding year. The reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the interstate commission.

(R) To coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the interstate movement of offenders for officials involved in such activity;

(S) To establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data.

ARTICLE VI

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

(A) Bylaws

The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members, within twelve months of the first interstate commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but, not limited to all of the following:

(1) Establishing the fiscal year of the interstate commission;

(2) Establishing an executive committee and any other committees that may be necessary;

(3) Providing reasonable standards and procedures:

(a) For the establishment of committees;

(b) Governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the interstate commission.

(4) Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the interstate commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each meeting;

(5) Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the interstate commission;

(6) Providing reasonable standards and procedures for the establishment of the personnel policies and programs of the interstate commission. Notwithstanding any civil service or other similar laws of any compacting state, the bylaws shall exclusively govern the personnel policies and programs of the interstate commission.

(7) Providing a mechanism for winding up the operations of the interstate commission and the equitable return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment or reserving of all of its debts and obligations;

(8) Providing transition rules for "start up" administration of the compact;

(9) Establishing standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying out the compact.

(B) Officers and staff

The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson, each of whom shall have the authorities and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in his or her absence or disability, the vice chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the interstate commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the interstate commission; provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for any actual and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the interstate commission.

The interstate commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain an executive director for the period, upon the terms and conditions, and for the compensation that the interstate commission considers appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the interstate commission, and hire and supervise the other staff that may be authorized by the interstate commission, but shall not be a member.

(C) Corporate records of the interstate commission

The interstate commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws.

(D) Qualified immunity, defense and indemnification

The members, officers, executive director, and employees of the interstate commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of any such person.

Upon the request of the attorney general, the interstate commission shall assist in the defense of the commissioner of a compacting state, or the commissioner's representatives or employees, or the interstate commission's representatives or employees, in any civil action seeking to impose liability, arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional wrongdoing on the part of the person.

The interstate commission shall indemnify and hold the commissioner of a compacting state, the appointed designee, or employees, or the interstate commission's representatives or employees, harmless in the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against such persons arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing on the part of the person.

ARTICLE VII

ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

(A) The interstate commission shall meet and take any actions that are consistent with the provisions of this compact.

Except as otherwise provided in this compact and unless a greater percentage is required by the bylaws, in order to constitute an act of the interstate commission, the act shall have been taken at a meeting of the interstate commission and shall have received an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present.

Each member of the interstate commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which that compacting state is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the interstate commission. A member shall vote in person on behalf of the state and shall not delegate a vote to another member state. However, a state council shall appoint another authorized representative, in the absence of the commissioner from that state, to cast a vote on behalf of the member state at a specified meeting. The bylaws may provide for members' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication. Any voting conducted by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication shall be subject to the same quorum requirements of meetings where members are present in person.

The interstate commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. The chairperson of the interstate commission may call additional meetings at any time and, upon the request of a majority of the members, shall call additional meetings.

The interstate commission's bylaws shall establish conditions and procedures under which the interstate commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The interstate commission may exempt from disclosure any information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests. In promulgating those rules, the interstate commission may make available to law enforcement agencies records and information otherwise exempt from disclosure and may enter into agreements with law enforcement agencies to receive or exchange information or records subject to nondisclosure and confidentiality provisions.

Public notice shall be given of all meetings, and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact. The interstate commission shall promulgate rules consistent with the principles contained in the "Government in Sunshine Act," 5 U.S.C. Section 552(b), as amended. The interstate commission and any of its committees may close a meeting to the public if it determines by two-thirds vote that an open meeting would be likely to do any of the following:

(1) Relate solely to the interstate commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;

(2) Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute;

(3) Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;

(4) Involve accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;

(5) Disclose information of a personal nature if disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

(6) Disclose investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes;

(7) Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of the interstate commission with respect to a regulated entity for the purpose of regulation or supervision of the regulated entity;

(8) Disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would significantly endanger the life of a person or the stability of a regulated entity;

(9) Specifically relate to the interstate commission's issuance of a subpoena or its participation in a civil action or proceeding.

(B) For every meeting closed pursuant to this provision, the interstate commission's chief legal officer shall publicly certify that, in the legal officer's opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public, and shall reference each relevant exemptive provision. The interstate commission shall keep minutes, and the minutes shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in any meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken, and the reasons for the actions, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the record of any roll call vote (reflected in the vote of each member on the question). All documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in the minutes.

The interstate commission shall collect standardized data concerning the interstate movement of offenders as directed through its bylaws and rules. The bylaws and rules shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection and data exchange, and reporting requirements.

ARTICLE VIII

RULEMAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

(A) The interstate commission shall promulgate rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of the compact including transition rules governing administration of the compact during the period in which it is being considered and enacted by the states.

Rulemaking shall occur pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the bylaws and rules adopted pursuant to this article. The rulemaking shall substantially conform to the principles of the "Federal Administrative Procedure Act," 5 U.S.C.S. section 551 et seq., and the "Federal Advisory Committee Act," 5 U.S.C.S. app. 2, section 1 et seq., as amended (hereinafter "APA"). All rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.

If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then the rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.

When promulgating a rule, the interstate commission shall do all of the following:

(1) Publish the proposed rule stating with particularity the text of the rule that is proposed and the reason for the proposed rule;

(2) Allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions and arguments, which information shall be publicly available;

(3) Provide an opportunity for an informal hearing;

(4) Promulgate a final rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on the rulemaking record.

(B) Not later than sixty days after a rule is promulgated, any interested person may file a petition in the United States district court for the District of Columbia or in the federal district court where the interstate commission's principal office is located for judicial review of the rule. If the court finds that the interstate commission's action is not supported by substantial evidence, as defined in the APA, in the rulemaking record, the court shall hold the rule unlawful and set it aside.

Subjects to be addressed within twelve months after the first meeting shall at a minimum include all of the following:

(1) Notice to victims and an opportunity to be heard;

(2) Offender registration and compliance;

(3) Violations and returns;

(4) Transfer procedures and forms;

(5) Eligibility for transfer;

(6) Collection of restitution and fees from offenders;

(7) Data collection and reporting;

(8) The level of supervision to be provided by the receiving state;

(9) Transition rules governing the operation of the compact and the interstate commission during all or part of the period between the effective date of the compact and the date on which the last eligible state adopts the compact;

(10) Mediation, arbitration, and dispute resolution.

(C) The existing rules governing the operation of the previous compact superseded by this act shall be null and void twelve months after the first meeting of the interstate commission created under this compact.

Upon determination by the interstate commission that an emergency exists, it may promulgate an emergency rule, and the emergency rule shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided under this compact shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety days after the effective date of the rule.

ARTICLE IX

OVERSIGHT, ENFORCEMENT, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

(A) Oversight

The interstate commission shall oversee the interstate movement of adult offenders in the compacting states and shall monitor such activities being administered in noncompacting states that may significantly affect compacting states.

The courts and executive agencies in each compacting state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. In any judicial or administrative proceeding in a compacting state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact that may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the interstate commission, the interstate commission shall be entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes.

(B) Dispute Resolution

The compacting states shall report to the interstate commission on issues or activities of concern to them and cooperate with and support the interstate commission in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities.

The interstate commission shall attempt to resolve any disputes or other issues that are subject to the compact and that may arise among compacting states and noncompacting states.

The interstate commission shall enact a bylaw or promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes among the compacting states.

(C) Enforcement

The interstate commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions of this compact using any or all means set forth in Article XII, division B, of this compact.

ARTICLE X

FINANCE

The interstate commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.

The interstate commission shall levy on and collect an annual assessment from each compacting state to cover the cost of the internal operations and activities of the interstate commission and its staff. The annual assessment shall be in a total amount sufficient to cover the interstate commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the interstate commission, taking into consideration the population of the state and the volume of interstate movement of offenders in each compacting state, and shall promulgate a rule that is binding upon all compacting states and governs the assessment.

The interstate commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the obligation, and the interstate commission shall not pledge the credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting state.

The interstate commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the interstate commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the interstate commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the interstate commission.

ARTICLE XI

COMPACTING STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE AND AMENDMENT

Any state, as defined in Article II of this compact, is eligible to become a compacting state. The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than thirty-five of the states. The initial effective date shall be the later of July 1, 2001, or upon enactment into law by the thirty-fifth jurisdiction. After the initial effective date, it shall become effective and binding, as to any other compacting state, upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees shall be invited to participate in interstate commission activities on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states and territories of the United States.

Amendments to the compact may be proposed by the interstate commission for enactment by the compacting states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the interstate commission and the compacting states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the compacting states.

ARTICLE XII

WITHDRAWAL, DEFAULT, TERMINATION, AND JUDICIAL ENFORCEMENT

(A) Withdrawal

Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every compacting state; provided that a compacting state may withdraw from the compact ("withdrawing state") by enacting a statute specifically repealing the statute that enacted the compact into law.

The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repeal.

The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the interstate commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state.

The interstate commission shall notify the other compacting states of the withdrawing state's intent to withdraw within sixty days of its receipt of the notice from the withdrawing state.

The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.

Reinstatement following withdrawal of any compacting state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon any later date as determined by the interstate commission.

(B) Default

(1) If the interstate commission determines that any compacting state has at any time defaulted ("defaulting state") in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, the bylaws, or any duly promulgated rules, the interstate commission may impose any or all of the following penalties:

(a) Fines, fees, and costs in any amounts that are determined to be reasonable as fixed by the interstate commission;

(b) Remedial training and technical assistance as directed by the interstate commission;

(c) Suspension and termination of membership in the compact. Suspension shall be imposed only after all other reasonable means of securing compliance under the bylaws and rules have been exhausted. Immediate notice of suspension shall be given by the interstate commission to the governor, the chief justice or chief judicial officer of the state, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and the state council.

(2) The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a compacting state to perform the obligations or responsibilities imposed upon it by this compact, interstate commission bylaws, or duly promulgated rules. The interstate commission shall immediately notify the defaulting state in writing of the penalty imposed by the interstate commission on the defaulting state pending a cure of the default. The interstate commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the defaulting state must cure its default. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the interstate commission, in addition to any other penalties imposed in this compact, the defaulting state may be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting states and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of suspension. Within sixty days of the effective date of termination of a defaulting state, the interstate commission shall notify the governor, the chief justice or chief judicial officer, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and the state council of the termination.

The defaulting state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination including any obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination.

The interstate commission shall not bear any costs relating to the defaulting state unless otherwise mutually agreed upon between the interstate commission and the defaulting state. Reinstatement following termination of any compacting state requires both a reenactment of the compact by the defaulting state and the approval of the interstate commission pursuant to the rules.

(C) Judicial enforcement

The interstate commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States district court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the interstate commission, in the federal district where the interstate commission has its offices to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its duly promulgated rules, and bylaws, against any compacting state in default. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of the litigation including reasonable attorneys fees.

(D) Dissolution of compact

The compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the compacting state that reduces membership in the compact to one compacting state.

Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the interstate commission shall be wound up, and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.

ARTICLE XIII

SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION

The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and, if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.

The provisions of this compact shall be liberally constructed to effectuate its purposes.

ARTICLE XIV

BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS

(A) Other laws

Nothing in this compact prevents the enforcement of any other law of a compacting state that is not inconsistent with this compact.

All compacting states' laws conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

(B) Binding effect of the compact

All lawful actions of the interstate commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the interstate commission, are binding upon the compacting states.

All agreements between the interstate commission and the compacting states are binding in accordance with their terms.

Upon the request of a party to a conflict over meaning or interpretation of interstate commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the compacting states, the interstate commission may issue advisory opinions regarding such meaning or interpretation.

If any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any compacting state, the obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by that provision upon the interstate commission shall be ineffective and the obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction shall remain in the compacting state and shall be exercised by the agency of that state to which the obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this compact becomes effective."

Section 5149.22 | Ohio council for interstate adult offender supervision.
 

There is hereby established the Ohio council for interstate adult offender supervision pursuant to Article IV of the interstate compact for adult offender supervision. The council shall be comprised of at least twelve members. One member shall be the compact administrator for this state for the interstate compact for adult offender supervision or the administrator's designee. The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint one member, shall be of the house of representatives. The president of the senate shall appoint one member, who shall be a member of the senate. The chief justice of the supreme court shall appoint three members, two of whom shall be members of the judiciary. The governor shall appoint five members, including a representative of a crime victim's organization, a member of the executive branch, a prosecuting attorney, a member of the state public defender's office, and a chief probation officer. The attorney general shall appoint one member, who shall be from the bureau of criminal identification and investigation. The director of rehabilitation and correction shall appoint as many additional members as the director considers necessary to fulfill the mission of the compact. The Ohio council for interstate adult offender supervision is not subject to section 101.84 of the Revised Code.

Each appointee to the state council shall be appointed in consultation with the department of rehabilitation and correction and shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The members of the council shall serve without compensation, but each member shall be reimbursed for the member's actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official duties on the council.

The compact administrator for this state for the interstate compact for adult offender supervision, or the administrator's designee, shall serve as commissioner of the state council and as this state's representative to the interstate commission established under Article III of that compact.

Section 5149.23 | Deputizing employees to effect return of violators.
 

(A) The chief of the adult parole authority may deputize any person regularly employed by another state to act as an officer and agent of this state in effecting the return of any person who has violated the terms and conditions of parole or probation as granted by this state. In any matter relating to the return of such a person, any agent so deputized shall have all the powers of a police officer of this state.

Any deputization pursuant to this section shall be in writing, and any person authorized to act as an agent of this state pursuant to this section shall carry formal evidence of his deputization and shall produce the evidence upon demand.

(B) The chief may, subject to the approval of the director of budget and management, enter into contracts with similar officials of any other state for the purpose of sharing an equitable portion of the cost of effecting the return of any person who has violated the terms and conditions of parole or probation as granted by this state.

Section 5149.24 | Restricting release on bond or final release.
 

(A) When a sending state places a hold warrant or a detainer warrant on an offender supervised under the interstate compact for adult offender supervision who is in custody in this state and that warrant does not provide that the offender may be released on bond pending return to the sending state, no court of record in this state has authority to release the offender on bond until the sending state withdraws the warrant.

(B) A receiving state has no authority to grant a final release from supervision to any offender supervised under the interstate compact for adult offender supervision unless and until the final release has been approved by the supervising authority of the sending state. The sending state shall not unreasonably withhold such a final release and shall promptly communicate the release to the supervising authorities of the receiving state.

Section 5149.30 | Community corrections program definitions.
 

As used in sections 5149.30 to 5149.37 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Community corrections programs" include, but are not limited to, probation, parole, preventive or diversionary corrections programs, release-on-recognizance programs, prosecutorial diversion programs, specialized treatment programs for offenders with alcoholism and narcotic addictions, and community control sanctions as defined in section 2929.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Local corrections planning board" means the board established in each county under section 5149.34 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Joint county corrections planning board" means the board established by multiple counties under section 5149.35 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 1:05 PM

Section 5149.31 | Subsidies and standards for community-based corrections programs; Eligibility.
 

(A) The department of rehabilitation and correction shall do all of the following:

(1) Establish and administer a program of subsidies for eligible counties and groups of counties for felony offenders and a program of subsidies for eligible municipal corporations, counties, and groups of counties for misdemeanor offenders for the development, implementation, and operation of community corrections programs. Department expenditures for administration of both programs of subsidies shall not exceed ten per cent of the moneys appropriated for each of the purposes of this division.

(2) Adopt and promulgate rules, under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, providing standards for community corrections programs. The standards adopted by the department shall specify the class of offender whose degree of felony, whose community control sanction revocation history, or whose risk level as assessed by the single validated risk assessment tool described in section 5120.114 of the Revised Code, make the offender suitable for participation in community corrections programs. The rules shall make the level of subsidy provided to every county or group of counties contingent upon the number of offenders participating in community corrections programs each fiscal year who satisfy the participation suitability standards established by the department and upon the outcomes of any performance-based standards established by the department. The standards shall be designed to improve the quality and efficiency of the programs, to support evidence-based policies and practices, as defined by the department, and to reduce the number of persons committed to state correctional institutions and to county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jails or workhouses for offenses for which community control sanctions are authorized under section 2929.13, 2929.15, or 2929.25 of the Revised Code. In developing the standards, the department shall consult with, and seek the advice of, local corrections agencies, law enforcement agencies, and other public and private agencies concerned with corrections. The department shall conduct, and permit participation by local corrections planning boards established under section 5149.34 of the Revised Code and joint county corrections planning boards established under section 5149.35 of the Revised Code in, an annual review of the standards to measure their effectiveness in promoting the purposes specified in this division and shall amend or rescind any existing rule providing a standard or adopt and promulgate additional rules providing standards, under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, if the review indicates that the standards fail to promote the purposes.

(3) Accept and use any funds, goods, or services from the federal government or any other public or private source for the support of the subsidy programs established under division (A) of this section. The department may comply with any conditions and enter into any agreements that it considers necessary to obtain these funds, goods, or services.

(4) Adopt rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, and do all other things necessary to implement sections 5149.30 to 5149.37 of the Revised Code;

(5) Evaluate or provide for the evaluation of community corrections programs funded by the subsidy programs established under division (A)(1) of this section and establish means of measuring their effectiveness;

(6) Prepare an annual report evaluating the subsidy programs established under division (A)(1) of this section. The report shall include, but need not be limited to, analyses of the structure of the programs and their administration by the department, the effectiveness of the programs in the development and implementation of community corrections programs, the specific standards adopted and promulgated under division (A)(2) of this section and their effectiveness in promoting the purposes of the programs, and the findings of the evaluations conducted under division (A)(5) of this section. The director of rehabilitation and correction shall review and certify the accuracy of the report and provide copies of it, upon request, to members of the general assembly.

(7) Provide training or assistance, upon the request of a local corrections planning board or a joint county corrections planning board, to any local unit of government, subject to available resources of the department.

(B)(1) In order to be eligible for the subsidies under this section, counties, groups of counties, and municipal corporations shall satisfy all applicable requirements under sections 2301.27 and 2301.30 of the Revised Code and, except for sentencing decisions made by a court when use of the risk assessment tool is discretionary, shall utilize the single validated risk assessment tool selected by the department under section 5120.114 of the Revised Code.

(2) The department shall give any county, group of counties, or municipal corporation found to be noncompliant with the requirements described in division (B)(1) of this section a reasonable period of time to come into compliance. If the noncompliant county, group of counties, or municipal corporation does not become compliant after a reasonable period of time, the department shall reduce or eliminate the subsidy granted to that county, group of counties, or municipal corporation.

Last updated August 12, 2021 at 2:45 PM

Section 5149.311 | Establishment and administration of probation improvement grant and probation incentive grant.
 

(A) The department of rehabilitation and correction shall establish and administer the probation improvement grant and the probation incentive grant for common pleas, municipal, and county court probation departments and community-based correctional facilities that supervise offenders sentenced by courts of common pleas, municipal courts, or county courts.

(B)(1) The probation improvement grant shall provide funding to common pleas, municipal, and county court probation departments and community-based correctional facilities to adopt policies and practices based on the latest research on how to reduce the number of offenders on probation supervision who violate the conditions of their supervision.

(2) The department shall adopt rules for the distribution of the probation improvement grant, including both of the following:

(a) The formula for the allocation of the subsidy based on the number of offenders placed on probation annually in each jurisdiction;

(b) The allocation of funds for the purpose of offsetting costs incurred by political subdivisions in relation to offenders who are prohibited from serving the term of imprisonment in an institution under the control of the department of rehabilitation and correction pursuant to division (B)(3)(c) of section 2929.34 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) The probation incentive grant shall provide a performance-based level of funding to common pleas, municipal, and county court probation departments and community-based correctional facilities that are successful in reducing the number of offenders on probation supervision whose terms of supervision are revoked.

(2) The department shall calculate annually any cost savings realized by the state from a reduction in the percentage of people who are incarcerated because their terms of supervised probation were revoked. The cost savings estimate shall be calculated for each jurisdiction served by the probation department or community-based correctional facility eligible for a grant under this section and be based on the difference from the average of such commitments from the five calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year in which application for the grant was made and the fiscal year under examination.

(3) The department shall adopt rules that specify the subsidy amount to be appropriated to common pleas, municipal, and county court probation departments and community-based correctional facilities that successfully reduce the percentage of people on probation who are incarcerated because their terms of supervision are revoked.

(D) The following stipulations apply to both the probation improvement grant and the probation incentive grant:

(1) In order to be eligible for the probation improvement grant and the probation incentive grant, common pleas, municipal, and county courts must satisfy all requirements under sections 2301.27 and 2301.30 of the Revised Code. Except for sentencing decisions made by a court when use of the risk assessment tool is discretionary, in order to be eligible for the probation improvement grant and the probation incentive grant, a court or community-based correctional facility must utilize the single validated risk assessment tool selected by the department of rehabilitation and correction under section 5120.114 of the Revised Code.

(2) The department may deny a subsidy under this section to any applicant if the applicant fails to comply with the terms of any agreement entered into pursuant to any of the provisions of this section.

(3) The department shall evaluate or provide for the evaluation of the policies, practices, and programs the common pleas, municipal, or county court probation departments or community-based correctional facilities utilize with the programs of subsidies established under this section and establish means of measuring their effectiveness.

(4) The department shall specify the policies, practices, and programs for which common pleas, municipal, or county court probation departments or community-based correctional facilities may use the program subsidy and shall establish minimum standards of quality and efficiency that recipients of the subsidy must follow. The department shall give priority to supporting evidence-based policies and practices, as defined by the department.

Section 5149.32 | Eligibility for funds from subsidy programs.
 

To be eligible for funds from the subsidy programs established under division (A)(1) of section 5149.31 of the Revised Code, a municipal corporation, county, or group of counties shall comply with all of the following that are relevant:

(A) Maintain programs that meet the standards adopted under division (A)(2) of section 5149.31 of the Revised Code;

(B) Demonstrate that it has made efforts to unify or coordinate its correctional service programs through consolidation, written agreements, purchase of service contracts, or other means;

(C) Demonstrate that the comprehensive plan for the county in which the municipal corporation is located, for the county, or for each county of the group of counties, as adopted under section 5149.34 of the Revised Code, has been approved by the director of rehabilitation and correction;

(D) Deliver programming that addresses the assessed needs of high risk offenders as established by the single validated risk assessment tool described in section 5120.114 of the Revised Code and that may be delivered through available and acceptable resources within the municipal corporation, county, or group of counties or through the department of rehabilitation and correction;

(E) If a subsidy was received in any prior fiscal year from a subsidy program established under division (A)(1) of section 5149.31 of the Revised Code, demonstrate that the subsidy was expended in a good faith effort to improve the quality and efficiency of its community corrections programs and to reduce the number of persons committed to state correctional institutions and to county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jails or workhouses.

Section 5149.33 | Prohibiting reducing local funding.
 

No municipal corporation, county, or group of counties receiving a subsidy under division (A)(1) of section 5149.31 of the Revised Code shall reduce, by the amount of the subsidy it receives or by a greater or lesser amount, the amount of local, nonfederal funds it expends for corrections, including, but not limited to, the amount of local, nonfederal funds it expends for the operation of the county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jail or workhouse, for any county or municipal probation department, or for any community corrections program. Each subsidy shall be used to make corrections expenditures in excess of those being made from local, nonfederal funds. No subsidy or portion of a subsidy shall be used to make capital improvements. If a recipient violates this section, the department of rehabilitation and correction may discontinue subsidy payments to the recipient.

Section 5149.34 | Local corrections planning board.
 

(A)(1) If a county desires to receive a subsidy from a subsidy program established under division (A)(1) of section 5149.31 of the Revised Code for community corrections programs as described in division (A)(2) of that section, the board of county commissioners of the county shall establish, by a resolution as described in this division, and maintain a local corrections planning board that, except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, shall include an administrator of a county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jail or workhouse located in the county; a county commissioner of that county; a judge of the court of common pleas of that county; a judge of a municipal court or county court of that county; an attorney whose practice of law primarily involves the representation of criminal defendants; the chief law enforcement officer of the largest municipal corporation located in the county; the county sheriff; one or more prosecutors, as defined in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code; the executive director of the board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services serving that county or the executive director's designee, or the executive directors of both the community mental health board and the alcohol and drug addiction services board serving that county or their designees, whichever is applicable; the executive director of the county board of developmental disabilities of that county or the executive director's designee; an administrator of a halfway house serving that county, if any, or the administrator's designee; an administrator of a community-based correctional facility, if any, serving the court of common pleas of that county or the administrator's designee; an administrator of a community corrections act-funded program in that county, if any, or the administrator's designee; one or more representatives of the public, one of whom shall be a victim of crime; one or more additional representatives of the law enforcement community; one or more additional representatives of the judiciary; one or more additional representatives of the field of corrections; and officials from the largest municipal corporation located in the county. A majority of the members of the board shall be employed in the adult criminal justice field. At least two members of the board shall be members of the largest racial minority population, if any, in the county, and at least two other members of the board shall be women. The resolution shall state the number and nature of the members, the duration of their terms, the manner of filling vacancies on the board, and the compensation, if any, that members are to receive. The board of county commissioners also may specify, as part of the resolution, any other duties the local corrections planning board is to assume.

(2) If, for good cause shown, including, but not limited to, the refusal of a specified individual to serve on a local corrections planning board, a particular county is not able to satisfy the requirements specified in division (A)(1) of this section for the composition of such a board, the director of rehabilitation and correction may waive the requirements to the extent necessary and approve a composition for the board that otherwise is consistent with the requirements.

(B) Each local corrections planning board established pursuant to division (A) of this section shall adopt within eighteen months after its establishment, and from time to time shall revise, a comprehensive plan for the development, implementation, and operation of corrections services in the county. The plan shall include a description of the offender population's assessed needs as established by the single validated risk assessment tool described in section 5120.114 of the Revised Code, with particular attention to high risk offenders, and the capacity to deliver services and programs within the county and surrounding region that address the offender population's needs. The plan shall be adopted and revised after consideration has been given to the impact that it will have or has had on the populations of state correctional institutions and county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jails or workhouses in the county, and shall be designed to unify or coordinate corrections services in the county and to reduce the number of persons committed, consistent with the standards adopted under division (A)(2) of section 5149.31 of the Revised Code, from that county to state correctional institutions and to county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jails or workhouses. The plan and any revisions to the plan shall be submitted to the board of county commissioners of the county in which the local corrections planning board is located for approval.

If a county has a community-based correctional facility and program established in accordance with sections 2301.51 to 2301.58 of the Revised Code, the budgets of the facility and program shall not be subject to approval by the local corrections planning board, but instead shall continue to be determined in accordance with those sections. However, the local corrections planning board shall include the facility and program as part of the comprehensive plan adopted and revised pursuant to this division.

(C) As used in this section:

(1) "Halfway house" and "community-based correctional facility" have the same meanings as in section 2929.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Offender population" means the total number of offenders currently receiving corrections services provided by the county.

Section 5149.35 | Joint county corrections planning board.
 

The boards of county commissioners of two or more counties may enter into an agreement for the joint development, implementation, and operation of community corrections programs and may establish and maintain a joint county corrections planning board. Subject to division (A)(2) of section 5149.34 of the Revised Code, the board shall consist of an equal number of members of each county's local corrections planning board as established and maintained under division (A)(1) or (2) of that section. The joint county corrections planning board shall comply with the comprehensive plans adopted under that section in the operation of community corrections programs, but, if provisions of the comprehensive plans are contradictory or otherwise inconsistent, the board shall determine which provisions control.

Section 5149.36 | Awarding subsidies to eligible municipal corporations and counties.
 

Subject to appropriations by the general assembly, the department of rehabilitation and correction shall award subsidies to eligible municipal corporations, counties, and groups of counties pursuant to the subsidy programs described in division (A)(1) of section 5149.31 of the Revised Code only in accordance with criteria that the department shall specify in rules adopted pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The criteria shall be designed to provide for subsidy awards only on the basis of demonstrated need and the satisfaction of specified priorities. The criteria shall require that priority shall be given to the funding of community corrections programs that reduce the number of persons committed to state correctional institutions or the number of persons committed to county, multicounty, municipal, municipal-county, or multicounty-municipal jails or workhouses.

Section 5149.37 | No limitation on powers of department of rehabilitation and correction.
 

No provision of sections 5149.30 to 5149.36 of the Revised Code shall be construed to impose limitations upon the power of the department of rehabilitation and correction under Chapters 5120. and 5149. of the Revised Code to afford municipal corporations and counties with and to supervise their probation, parole, and other corrections services.

Section 5149.38 | Memorandum of understanding regarding local confinement.
 

(A) In each voluntary county, subject to division (B) of this section and not later than the deadlines established by the department of rehabilitation and correction in division (B)(3)(b)(ii) of section 2929.34 of the Revised Code, a county commissioner representing the board of county commissioners of the county, the administrative judge of the general division of the court of common pleas of the county, the sheriff of the county, and an official from any municipality operating a local correctional facility in the county to which courts of the county sentence offenders shall agree to, sign, and submit to the department of rehabilitation and correction for its approval a memorandum of understanding that does all of the following:

(1) Sets forth the plans by which the county will use grant money provided to the county in the state fiscal years within the specified state fiscal biennium under the targeted community alternatives to prison (T-CAP) program;

(2) Specifies the manner in which the county will address a per diem reimbursement of local correctional facilities for prisoners who serve a prison term in the facility pursuant to division (B)(3)(c) of section 2929.34 of the Revised Code. The per diem reimbursement rate shall be the rate determined in division (F)(1) of this section and shall be specified in the memorandum;

(3) Specifies whether the memorandum of understanding will apply to prison terms for felonies of the fifth degree or prison terms for felonies of the fourth and fifth degree pursuant to division (B)(3)(c) of section 2929.34 of the Revised Code.

(B) Two or more voluntary counties may join together to jointly establish a memorandum of understanding of the type described in division (A) of this section. Not later than the deadlines established by the department of rehabilitation and correction in division (B)(3)(b)(ii) of section 2929.34 of the Revised Code, a county commissioner from each of the affiliating voluntary counties representing the county's board of county commissioners, the administrative judge of the general division of the court of common pleas of each affiliating voluntary county, the sheriff of each affiliating voluntary county, and an official from any municipality operating a local correctional facility in the affiliating voluntary counties to which courts of the counties sentence offenders shall agree to, sign, and submit to the department of rehabilitation and correction for its approval the memorandum of understanding. The memorandum of understanding shall set forth the plans by which, and specify the manner in which, the affiliating counties will complete the tasks identified in divisions (A)(1) to (3) of this section.

(C) The department of rehabilitation and correction shall adopt rules establishing standards for approval of memorandums of understanding submitted to it under division (A) or (B) of this section. The department shall review the memorandums of understanding submitted to it and may require the county or counties that submit a memorandum to modify the memorandum. The director of rehabilitation and correction shall approve memorandums of understanding submitted to it under division (A) or (B) of this section that the director determines satisfy the standards adopted by the department within thirty days after receiving each memorandum submitted.

(D) Any person responsible for agreeing to, signing, and submitting a memorandum of understanding under division (A) or (B) of this section may delegate the person's authority to do so to an employee of the agency, entity, or office served by the person.

(E) The persons signing a memorandum of understanding under division (A) or (B) of this section, or their successors in office, may revise the memorandum as they determine necessary. Any revision of the memorandum shall be signed by the parties specified in division (A) or (B) of this section and submitted to the department of rehabilitation and correction for its approval under division (C) of this section within thirty days after the beginning of the state fiscal year.

(F)(1) In each county, commencing in calendar year 2023, on or before the first day of February of each calendar year the sheriff shall determine the per diem costs for the preceding calendar year for each of the local correctional facilities for the housing in the facility of prisoners who serve a term in it pursuant to division (B)(3)(c) of section 2929.34 of the Revised Code. The per diem cost so determined shall apply in the calendar year in which the determination is made.

(2) For each county, the per diem cost determined under division (F)(1) of this section that applies with respect to a facility in a specified calendar year shall be the per diem rate of reimbursement in that calendar year, under the targeted community alternatives to prison (T-CAP) program, for prisoners who serve a term in the facility pursuant to division (B)(3)(c) of section 2929.34 of the Revised Code.

(3) The per diem costs of housing determined under division (F)(1) of this section for a facility shall be the actual costs of housing the specified prisoners in the facility, on a per diem basis.

(G) As used in this section:

(1) "Local correctional facility" means a facility of a type described in division (C) or (D) of section 2929.34 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Voluntary county" has the same meanings as in section 2929.34 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 19, 2023 at 3:28 PM