HB4837 - Employee Background Fairness Act

• Prohibits employers from refusing to hire or discharging individuals based on criminal history unless there is a direct relationship between one or more convictions and the specific employment sought.

• Bars employers from considering arrests without conviction, completed diversion programs, vacated/expunged convictions, juvenile court records, and offenses other than felonies or misdemeanors.

• Requires employers to provide written notice before taking adverse action, including a copy of the criminal history report and specific convictions at issue, and allows applicants or employees 7 days to provide information about rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances.

• Permits civil action for violations with damages of $2,000 or actual damages (whichever is greater), attorney's fees, costs, and punitive damages as appropriate.

• Prohibits retaliation against applicants or employees who file complaints, testify, or oppose violations, and voids any waivers of rights under the Act; becomes effective immediately upon enactment.