Report on the Fair Chance Act, which would prohibit employers from checking into applicants’ criminal histories until later in the hiring process

SUMMARY

Despite State and City anti-discrimination protections, New Yorkers returning home from prison still face formidable barriers when reentering society. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, over 90% of companies conduct criminal background checks of some applicants during the hiring process, with over 75% of employers conducting checks on all applicants. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has emphasized its continuing concern that such checks harm minority communities. The Civil Rights Committee and Corrections and Community Reentry Committee support legislation which would prohibit employers from checking into applicants’ criminal histories until later in the hiring process where such information would be less likely to lead to unlawful discrimination.

BILL INFORMATION

Int. 0318-2014 – in relation to prohibiting discrimination based on one’s arrest record or criminal conviction

OUTCOME

Signed into law by the Mayor (2015/063) – June 29, 2015