California recently became the next state to “Ban the Box.” AB 1008 prohibits most public and private employers with five or more employees from asking applicants about criminal convictions until after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The bill requires that employers consider each case of offense on an individual basis. Employers also are required to notify applicants about any criminal history in their consumer reports, allowing applicants to correct any errors. Employers should consider adjusting the hiring process so that background checks take place after a conditional offer is made. They should also begin to train recruiters and hiring managers about the Fair Chance bill.
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