HB377 Summary

• Prohibits state agencies, boards, commissions, departments, and political subdivisions from inquiring about or considering applicant criminal conviction history until after a conditional job offer is made.

• Bars use of arrests not resulting in conviction, sealed/dismissed/expunged convictions, and misdemeanor infractions with no jail sentence in employment decisions.

• Requires employers to consider whether convictions are directly related to job duties, offer opportunity for similar offense, represent recurring circumstances, and time elapsed since offense.

• Exempts sensitive governmental positions involving access to federal tax information, child/elderly/disabled person supervision, and positions requiring fidelity bonds from the restrictions.

• Establishes State Personnel Department enforcement over state employers and circuit court remedies for political subdivision violations, with employees able to recover damages, court costs, and attorney fees; effective January 1, 2023.