HR Policy Association
News

Congress Expected to Enact Bipartisan "Ban the Box" Bills

Published on:

Topics:

This week, bipartisan bills were introduced in the House and Senate to limit criminal history inquiries by federal contractors of job applicants, a prohibition generally referred to as "ban the box."  The Fair Chance Act (H.R. 3470/ S. 2021) would prohibit federal agencies and government contractors from asking about a job applicant's criminal history until after making a conditional employment offer.  However, the prohibition would not apply to positions related to law enforcement and national security duties, positions that require access to classified information, or those where disclosure before the conditional offer stage is required by law.  If passed, the legislation would follow the lead of 18 states that already have similar laws on the books.  Given their strong backing from both parties, the bills are expected to move quickly through the legislative process.

MORE NEWS STORIES

EWCs: Keeping track of what’s happening
Employee Relations

EWCs: Keeping track of what’s happening

July 02, 2025 | News
ELG Annual Meeting Unpacks Federal Workplace Policy and More
Employee Relations

ELG Annual Meeting Unpacks Federal Workplace Policy and More

June 27, 2025 | News
DEI Remains Top Issue For Trump Administration
Employee Relations

DEI Remains Top Issue For Trump Administration

June 27, 2025 | News