NYC’s “Ban the Box” Bill Puts Tough Limits On Criminal Records Checks

On June 10, 2015, the New York City Council passed the Fair Chance Act by a vote of 45-to-5. The legislation prevents employers from inquiring about job applicants’ criminal arrests and convictions prior to hire. Employers will be permitted to make such inquiries after an applicant receives a conditional job offer but only provided that narrow requirements are met. Once the law is enacted, New York City will join other states and cities that have passed similar “ban the box” restrictions (such as the District of Columbia, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, New Jersey, Illinois, Rhode Island, Minnesota).