Connecticut Joins 8 other States to Enact Ban the Box Legislation Applicable to Private Employers
August 01, 2016
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has signed "An Act Concerning Fair Chance Employment" (the "Act"). The lynchpin of the Act is that it prohibits an employer from inquiring about a prospective employee’s prior arrest, criminal charges or convictions on an initial employment application unless (1) the employer is required to do so by an applicable state or federal law, or (2) a security or fidelity bond or an equivalent bond is required for the position for which the prospective employee is seeking employment. Any employer found in violation of the Act will be subject to a $300.00 penalty for each violation. The effective date of the Act is January 1, 2017. Other states that have enacted similar legislation are Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
SESCO recommends that clients review all applicable policy and practices to ensure compliance. For assistance, contact us at 423-764-4127 or by email at sesco@sescomgt.com
