Ban-the-Box Laws by State: A 2024 Guide for Job Seekers
Ban-the-box laws prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. The goal: give applicants a chance to be judged on qualifications first.
States with Statewide Ban-the-Box Laws
Private employers covered: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.
Public employers only: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
What This Means for You
If you're applying in a ban-the-box state, employers cannot ask "Have you been convicted of a crime?" on an application form. They may conduct a background check later — but only after a conditional job offer in many states.
Individualized Assessment
Many states require employers to conduct an individualized assessment before denying employment based on a record. Factors considered: - Nature of the offense - Time elapsed since conviction - Nature of the job - Evidence of rehabilitation
This is your opportunity to present context, references, and certifications.
OpenPath's SORNA Guide
For registrants specifically, the rules are different. See the SORNA Employment Guide for state-by-state analysis of what restrictions apply and where your rights are strongest.