Updated: May 11, 2021
On March 13, 2018, Governor Inslee signed the Washington Fair Chance Act, a legislation to “Ban the Box” that will make it illegal for Washington employers to ask applicants about their arrests and/or convictions until after an applicant is determined otherwise qualified for a position. The law will become effective June 7, 2018 and will prohibit employers from asking or obtaining information about a job applicant’s criminal record until after determining that the applicant is otherwise qualified for the position.
Similarly, this law will not allow employers to advertise job openings in a way that excludes people with criminal records from applying. Finally, the Act will make it illegal to implement any policy or practice that automatically excludes individuals with a criminal record from consideration prior to an initial determination that the applicant is otherwise qualified for the position.
For more information regarding this bill, its enforcement and penalties, please go to:http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/House%20Passed%20Legislature/1298-S2.PL.pdf