Maryland has become the most recent state to take a stand against discrimination against those with a criminal history by enacting a ban-the-box law. The ban-the-box law forbids employers from asking potential employees about their criminal records on initial job applications. The new law has just gone into effect and requires all employers with at least 15 full-time employees not to require applicants to disclose their criminal history until the first in-person interview.
This move is a good way to correct for the bias against those in the criminal justice system because it gives reformed criminals and the falsely accused a chance to be seen by employers in a new light. The ban-the-box law surpasses traditional employment and will also be applied to “any work for pay and any form of vocational or educational training, with or without pay.” Although the new law will allow employers to ask for criminal history disclosures during the first interview, it will get rid of that immediate red flag that employers see when an ex-con checks the felony box. This gives reformed criminals a chance to show who they really are and to hopefully win over the employer without the stigma of an unclean criminal record.
There are some exemptions to the new act, including those applying for programs and services that provide direct care to minors and vulnerable adults. Another exemption of the ban-the-box act is that it does not prohibit an employer from doing their own research or taking any other actions that the employer is required or authorized to take under another federal or state law.
This act gives those with criminal histories a chance to make a good first impression without having to wear a figurative scarlet letter on their clothing when initially applying for a job. The Commissioner of Labor and Industry will be enforcing the new act and will even fine those who don’t comply with a civil penalty of up to $300.
If you currently reside in a state that has not adopted a ban-the-box act, be sure to visit www.easyexpunctions.com. We work directly with you in an effort to shed light on all of your charges and clear those that qualify. Head over to Easy Expunctions online and get started with a free record check so you know exactly what is currently visible to potential employers!
