Seattle Passes “Ban the Box” Law

The Seattle City Council unanimously voted to pass the criminal background check law with several improvements championed by AGC the Seattle Chamber and other members of a business coalition. (See original AGC Works article about the “ban the box” ordinance here.)

The coalition fought for amendments that would lessen the burden for employers while maintaining the intention of the bill to address recidivism and give people with a criminal background a second chance at employment.

Numerous positive changes to the bill were made: eliminating the opportunity for an applicant to sue an employer if they are turned down; more favorable timing for when an employer can ask for criminal background information; preferable criteria for turning down an applicant; eliminating the suggestion of employers having to fill out a lengthy form describing why they declined an applicant; and convening a panel of stakeholders including employers to develop oversight guidelines.

For more information contact AGC Seattle District Manager Jerry Dinndorf 206-284-0061.