SB 327 Summary

• Prohibits employers and hiring authorities from inquiring about or considering an applicant's conviction history until after a conditional job offer is made, unless the conviction directly relates to the position sought.

• Prohibits licensing authorities from inquiring about or considering an applicant's conviction history until after the applicant is found otherwise qualified for a license, unless the conviction directly relates to the occupation sought.

• Bars use of arrest records not followed by conviction, sealed/dismissed/expunged convictions, and infractions or misdemeanors with no jail sentence in employment or licensing decisions.

• Requires employers to retain application forms and hiring records for minimum three years and maintain records on background check positions, conditional offers provided, and applicants with conviction records notified of potential disqualification.

• Establishes enforcement by Alabama Department of Labor with written warnings for violations before January 1, 2018, and fines up to $1,000 for first violations and up to $2,000 for subsequent violations occurring on or after January 1, 2018; allows individuals to bring civil action for damages and attorneys' fees.