Fair-Chance Hiring Laws Aim to Prevent Discrimination Against Applicants

What are Ban the Box Laws?

“Ban the Box” or fair-chance hiring laws refer to laws that require employers to remove the question on job applications asking whether or not a job applicant has ever been convicted of a crime. On many job applications, this question is answered by checking a box stating “Yes” or “No”.

Fair-chance hiring laws aim to prevent discrimination against applicants who have criminal records. Some fair-chance hiring laws also place other kinds of restrictions and requirements on employers. These restrictions and requirements vary across states, counties, and cities that have implemented fair-chance hiring laws.

Fair-chance hiring laws can pose a challenge to employers in regards to compliance as it can add additional requirements that may differ from federal FCRA requirements.

35 states, the District of Columbia, and over 150 cities and counties have adopted a fair-chance policy.

Currently, many states across the U.S. have fair-chance hiring laws whether on the city, county, state level, or all three. Below is a list that displays Ban the Box laws in each state.

It is important to note that Ban the Box laws, like other laws, can be subject to change at any point in time. The information below is a courtesy resource tool made on March 1, 2021. When looking for fair-chance hiring laws in your area, always check with your city, county, and state to get the latest information.