Lawmakers plan to prohibit employers in Suffolk County from asking for a job applicant’s criminal history.
The so-called “ban the box” law eliminates the checkbox on job applications that asks about previous arrests and convictions.
“The good majority of individuals who made a mistake and have paid their debt and go out into the world and try to provide for their families are not being given the fair share or the fair opportunity to at least interview for the position,” said County Legislator Samuel Gonzalez, who co-sponsored the measure.
Gonzalez says hiring will focus more on the applicant’s work record instead of their criminal record.
Opponents say the law could infringe on the employer’s right to important information about who they’re hiring.