SC H3224

Prohibits public and private employers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal record until after an interview or a conditional job offer is made ("ban the box" provision)

Prevents disqualification from public employment or occupational licenses solely based on prior criminal convictions, unless the crime directly relates to the position or occupation sought

Requires hiring/licensing authorities to consider factors such as the nature and seriousness of the crime, relationship to job duties, time elapsed since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation before denying employment or licensure

Bars use of arrest records without conviction, expunged records, and misdemeanor convictions with no jail sentence in public employment and licensing decisions

Establishes penalties for private employer violations enforced by the Human Affairs Commission: written warnings for first violations before January 2027, with fines up to $500; after December 2028, fines range from $100-$500 per violation based on employer size, capped at $2,000 monthly