Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that prohibits an employer from making inquiries regarding an applicant's criminal record.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an employer from making an inquiry regarding the criminal record of an applicant during the initial employment application process, except under the following circumstances (Secs. 4 & 6): 
• The applicant is being considered for a positon in law enforcement, corrections, the judiciary, homeland security, or emergency management;
• The applicant is being considered for a positon where a criminal background history check is requires by law; or 
• The applicant is being considered for a position designed to encourage the employment of individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a crime. 

• Prohibits an employer for refusing to hire an applicant based on their criminal record if the crime has been expunged or pardoned (Sec. 4).  

• Classifies a violation of this act as a civil penalty, with the following fines (Sec. 9):
• $1,000 for the first violation;
• $5,000 for the second violation; and
• $10,000 for each subsequent violation. 

Full Bill Text