Tag: Public Employers

Monroe County Considering Ban-the-Box Bill for Public Employers June 22, 2023 A recent announcement from the president of Monroe County's legislature revealed that she intended to introduce a "ban-the-box" bill. This bill would prohibit the county from asking individuals applying to work with the county government about past convictions. According to the president, Sabrina LaMar, she intended to reform the county's hiring policy. Ms. LaMar stated, "This reform to the county's hiring policy is long overdue." Despite the announcement, the county's legislature does not have to debate the proposed bill immediately. Instead, they will likely schedule a public hearing next month, when they expect to consider the "ban-the-box" proposal. Few expect a debate on the proposed law. This view is because over half of states and more than a hundred cities or counties have a version of a "ban-the-box" law. Many other states and localities have also considered adopting forms of "ban-the-box," which refers to the box on most job applications asking about an applicant's criminal history. These laws typically aim to delay questions about an applicant's criminal history until later in the hiring process. In this way, the regulations do not entirely ban these questions. Many of these laws require an employer to wait until after interviewing an applicant to run a background check. As such, the Monroe County Legislature's bill would require the county to make a conditional offer of employment before conducting a background check. However, like many other states and localities, the proposed rule would have exceptions. One example included an exemption for law enforcement. Individuals applying for law enforcement jobs must agree to a background check before receiving an offer of employment. In 2021, the county legislature received "ban-the-box" recommendations in a report by a commission. The commission met as many social and racial justice demonstrations took place. Due to these demonstrations, it hoped to address Monroe County's growing inequality. The report emphasized the importance of stable employment, particularly when reintegrating people into society. However, it also stated that these individuals often believe most jobs would exclude them. Many affected individuals even worry that employers would discriminate against them due to their criminal history. The president of the county's legislation intends to address these concerns with this bill. Employers in Monroe County should prepare their hiring policies to comply with this law, should it pass. The best way to comply with this and other regulations concerning background screening is to partner with a background check company you can trust. Looking to easily verify your employment qualifications? Talk to a sales representative today about switching to pre-employment background checks. Source

Tag: Public Employers

Monroe County Considering Ban-the-Box Bill for Public Employers

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