Christie Signs Bill to Limit Employers’ Use of Criminal Checks for Job Applicants

Gov. Chris Christie (R) Aug. 11 signed legislation (A. 1999) that will bar public and private employers in New Jersey from inquiring about a job applicant’s criminal record until after the first interview is completed, unless the applicant voluntarily discloses such information.

The Opportunity to Compete Act, which will take effect March 1, 2015, applies to most employers with 15 or more employees.

In addition to prohibiting oral or written questions about a prospective employee’s criminal background during the initial application process, the new law bars employers from requiring a job applicant to complete an application that includes ...