Minneapolis and Washington State have expanded fair‑chance laws to restrict how employers use criminal history in hiring and employment actions. Starting Aug. 1, 2025, Minneapolis bars employers from making decisions based on “justice‑impacted status” unless they can justify it with a six‑factor individualized assessment. Washington’s amended law, effective July 1, 2026 (for large employers; smaller ones by Jan 1, 2027), requires employers to wait until a conditional job offer before considering criminal history, conduct written assessments, and avoid blanket exclusions.
