Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD.

“Ban the Box” Legislation: What Employers Need to Know

By Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD
March 15, 2015
Checking

“Have you ever been convicted of a felony?”

The “Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act” (or “Ban the Box” legislation) that took effect January 1st has Illinois employers with 15 or more employees removing this question from their job applications.

The new law prevents employers and agencies with 15 or more employees from asking about or requiring disclosure of a criminal history until the applicant has been determined qualified for the position or conditionally offered employment. The legislation is meant to help those otherwise qualified applicants from being immediately eliminated in the hiring process because of their backgrounds.

The new law will not prevent employers from rejecting applicants because of their criminal past. However, it will prevent employers from asking the question on the application. According to Michelle Rodriguez, a lawyer the National Employment Law Project (NELP), “This [legislation] is about letting people get their foot in the door, and not being automatically disqualified”. However, “you’re not required to hire anyone”.

Not all employers will be subject to the law. Some exemptions include:

–Employers under state or federal mandate not to employ individuals with particular criminal histories.  For example, applicants for a position as a teacher, police officer or caregiver for children or the elderly may be asked on a preliminary application and taken out of the hiring pool.

–Employers needing to obtain a fidelity bond (form of insurance to protect against dishonest acts by employees).  Since employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to be bonded, they can be asked on the preliminary employment application.

Employment of EMTs (Emergency Medical Technician) Under the Emergency Medical Service Systems Act, the EMTs can also still be required to disclose their criminal history.

The Illinois Department of Labor will issue a warning to employers in violation of the law, providing 30 days to remedy the problem. If an employer repeats the infraction, or fails to remedy the violation after 90 days, they may receive a fine up to $1,500. For every additional 30 days the employer is not in compliance, they can receive an additional $1,500 fine.
Request A Case Evaluation below.

Request A Case Evaluation

Request a Consultation

heading-bottom-graphic

related articles:

heading-bottom-graphic
Category

Client Testimonials

heading-bottom-graphic
Our team partnered with Gardi, Haught, Fischer, & Bhosale LTD. on a recent transaction, and we appreciated their dedication and professional approach to closing the deal. We’re looking forward to more successful collaborations ahead
We just had great experience with Tom Haught and his paralegal Courtney Kropf. The communication is clear and fast. All emails were replied within 30 minutes. We will definitely work with Tom Haught again.
Was recommended to them from my company. They did an excellent job and always answered all my questions. Were always upfront with all things and made sure I understood everything that was explained to me.
We used the law firm during the sale of our house. We dealt with Mr Haught and Courtney, who made the process very smooth. They were professional, yet very friendly to deal with.I would not hesitate to recommend them to my family and friends.
We have used Tom Haught for two home purchases and one sale over the years and continue to be impressed by his professionalism, responsiveness, and thoroughness. Reasonable pricing too. Highly, highly recommended.
Gardi, Haught is one of professional firm, I have been with G&H since last 8 years in all legal matters.RegardsWaseem Chaudhry
We worked with Tom and Courtney mainly on our recent closing. While it did not go as planned (all the other side’s issues) they did a great job keeping us informed and in track. Highly recommend.
Aaron Novasic was fantastic in handling my case. He stayed in touch, told me what was going on and what to expect, and most importantly he fought for me the entire way. Couldn't be happier having him represent me.
js_loader