NC S416

Prohibits hiring authorities from inquiring into or considering an applicant's criminal history until after making a conditional offer of employment, except for positions where law requires background checks.

Prevents disqualification of applicants solely based on prior convictions unless the conviction is substantially related to the position's qualifications, functions, or duties, considering factors including crime severity, date, applicant's age, circumstances, nexus to duties, and rehabilitation records.

Eliminates arrests not resulting in conviction as grounds for disqualification from public employment.

Prohibits disqualifying applicants for lacking a physical or street address.

Requires the Office of State Human Resources to conduct quarterly compliance reviews, report annually to the General Assembly, and collect and publish data on conditional offers, employment outcomes, and retention rates for applicants with criminal histories and those without physical addresses.