Illinois’ new “Ban the Box” law will soon give workers a second chance when it comes to landing a job. The law prohibits private employers or employment agencies in Illinois from asking about the criminal histories of applicants until they are deemed qualified and selected for interviews or receive a conditional offer of employment. In signing the legislation, Illinois’ Governor Pat Quinn observed that the law allows individuals to be screened for their skills and qualifications rather than their past history, giving them a fair shot to reach their full potential.
The law does not apply to jobs where employers must exclude applicants with certain criminal histories or because of certain job requirements. Employers that violate the law are required to remedy the violation and can be subject to penalties up to $1,500 for multiple violations. The law goes into effect January 1, 2015.
Other states that have enacted “Ban the Box” legislation include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Rhode Island.