HB 196 would reduce barriers to employment for Idahoans returning to their communities post incarceration by removing the box on a job application that unfairly restricts job opportunities for people with a record and it would encourage employers to eliminate blanket exclusions of people with criminal records. Fair chance employment policy would delay criminal history inquiries until after an application has been considered to advance in the the process. An employer would be able to ask an applicant about their criminal history after they make a decision about whether their qualifications merit an interview or conditional offer of employment.
Implementing HB 196 would provide an opportunity for employers to learn how to consider information about an applicant’s criminal record within the context of the specific job or position. More importantly, it would give all job applicants returning to their communities a fair chance at a fresh start while ensuring stability and success, post-incarceration.
