AL HB257

Prohibits the State of Alabama, its agencies, and political subdivisions from inquiring into or considering an applicant's arrest or conviction history until after a conditional job offer is provided, except when a conviction is directly related to the position sought.

Restricts use of certain criminal records in employment decisions, including arrests not followed by conviction, sealed or expunged convictions, and misdemeanor infractions carrying no jail sentence.

Requires employers to consider four factors when evaluating if a conviction directly relates to a position: the duties of the role, opportunity for similar offenses, likelihood of recurrence, and length of time since the offense.

Mandates employers retain application forms and employment records for three years and maintain records of positions requiring background checks, conditional offers issued, and applicants notified of disqualification based on conviction history.

Authorizes the Department of Labor to enforce the act, investigate complaints, and conduct annual audits of state hiring practices, with written reports to the Governor within 90 days of each fiscal year end; becomes effective January 1, 2019.