Most county departments in Harris County will be banned from asking about a job applicant’s criminal history. County Attorney Christian Menefee said the criminal record question can be discouraging for otherwise-qualified job seekers from even applying and the policy will “prohibit departments from considering an applicant’s record of arrest if that arrest did not result in a conviction.” Departments will still be permitted to do a criminal background check and consider that check only after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The Fair Chance Policy has been adopted by governors of both parties in 37 states and in more than 150 cities and counties around the country, helping to decrease recidivism amongst ex-offenders and ensuring stable employment is available.
