Background Screening continues to evolve as more jurisdictions pass legislation limiting the use of criminal record history during the employment process. Here’s the latest:

COLORADO:

On May 28, 2019, the Colorado Governor signed a new law prohibiting employers from asking about criminal history on an initial employment application. This restriction will begin applying to employers (with 11 or more employees) on September 1, 2019, and then to ALL employers as of September 1, 2021. This grace period gives employers additional time to update policies and practices. READ MORE

NEW MEXICO:

On April 3, 2019, the New Mexico Governor signed two bills into law. The first is a Ban the Box law (in effect June 14, 2019) prohibiting private employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history on an employment application. The second law (in effect January 1, 2020) will allow certain arrest/conviction records to petition the court for expungement. READ MORE

NEW HAMPSHIRE:

Additionally, the New Hampshire House just passed a bill that—if signed into law—would restrict employers from asking about criminal history on a job application, as well as prohibit a company from conducting a criminal background check before an interview. READ MORE