On July 29, 2021, the amended “Ban the Box” law known as the Fair Chance Act took effect in New York City, expanding protections for job applicants by prohibiting discrimination based on arrest records, pending criminal accusations, or criminal convictions. By adding unsealed violations to the list of dispositions, this bill extends employment protections to individuals with pending adjournments as well as convictions for offenses prior to sealing.
According to the National Employment Law Project (NELP), 36 states and 150 cities and counties banned criminal record boxes on job applications. Removing criminal background questions gives individuals the opportunity to pursue employment without prejudice of past convictions. The Fair Chance Act requires employers to make an individualized assessment of the connection between the criminal charge and the job. Under the new law, an employer who revokes a conditional job offer must demonstrate the applicant’s criminal history was not a factor in the decision.
Having a criminal history while job hunting can be discouraging. Although many places have banned criminal background questions from job applications, a criminal record can be an added barrier to finding employment. Easy Expunctions can bring you an equal opportunity when applying to jobs by clearing your history. Contact our experts at EasyExpunctions.com for more information!