North Dakota House passes 'ban the box' bill

BISMARCK -- The North Dakota House agreed to prevent public employers from inquiring about a job applicant's criminal history until they have been selected for an interview Thursday, Jan. 24.

House Bill 1282 is meant to give people with a criminal record a "second chance," said Republican Rep. Vernon Laning, who didn't sponsor the bill but supported it during a short floor debate. He said state corrections officials testified that an inability to "obtain meaningful employment was one of the biggest reasons for recidivism."

"It simply gives the qualified person with a record a better chance to obtain an interview where he or she at least has an opportunity to convince the interviewer they are the best person for the job," Laning said. "People make mistakes, and some of them are big mistakes, but people can also change."

The bill only applies to state, county and city governments, as well as park districts, but it does not apply to school districts. It also doesn't apply to the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or to a "public employer that has a statutory duty to conduct a criminal history background check."

Read more: https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/4561533-north-dakota-house-passes-ban-box-bill