ID H0196

Establishes the Fair Chance Employment Act as Chapter 28 of Title 44, Idaho Code, to encourage workforce participation by persons with criminal histories and reduce recidivism.

Prohibits employers and employment agencies with 20 or more employees from posting job postings that exclude applicants with criminal convictions, asking about convictions on job applications, or inquiring about criminal records until an applicant is deemed qualified and selected for an interview or receives a conditional employment offer.

Permits employers to consider an applicant's criminal conviction record when making final hiring decisions, subject to the restrictions on timing and initial inquiries.

Exempts from these requirements law enforcement agencies, criminal justice system employers, employers seeking nonemployee volunteers, certain tax-exempt organizations affiliated with congressionally chartered organizations, and positions involving master keys or access to cash storage facilities.

Provides that restrictions do not apply if federal, state, or local law requires consideration of an applicant's criminal history.