Proliferating ‘Ban the Box’ Laws Expand Patchwork for Employers

States and cities across the U.S. are passing “ban the box” laws in an effort to level the hiring playing field for people convicted of a crime.

The different laws may have a common goal, but employers often face varying standards with which to comply. State and local laws can vary by who is covered, and how the question of criminal convictions can be asked.

In 2019 alone, Colorado, New Mexico, Maine, and North Dakota have passed laws requiring that employers remove from job applications questions pertaining to criminal convictions. In total, 35 states have some version of a ban ...