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MS HB295
Bill
Status
Failed
2/1/2022
Primary Sponsor
Omeria Scott
Click for details
AI Summary
- Public employers are prohibited from asking applicants about criminal history until the applicant has signed a release waiver, is being considered for a specific position, and has received an interview
- When a background check reveals criminal history, employers must consider the nature and gravity of the offense, time elapsed since the offense, applicant's age at time of offense, relationship to job duties, and evidence of rehabilitation before making an employment decision
- Arrests that did not result in conviction cannot be used as grounds for disqualifying an applicant from public employment
- Employers must inform applicants of adverse employment decisions based on background checks and allow applicants to demonstrate they were misidentified or dispute report accuracy
- The act applies to state agencies and instrumentalities but does not apply to private employers, positions requiring background checks by law (including those involving minors or elderly), or Senate-confirmed positions; jurisdiction over complaints is in Hinds County Circuit Court
Legislative Description
"Ban-the-Box Act"; create to prohibit public employers from using criminal history as a bar to employment.
Last Action
Died In Committee
2/1/2022
Committee Referrals
Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency1/4/2022
Full Bill Text
No bill text available