“Ban the Box” Act Takes Effect for Federal Contractors
12-23-2021 by Steven Suflas @ www.jdspura.com
The federal Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (Fair Chance Act) officially took effect this week on December 20, 2021. The law was signed two years ago as Section 1123 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Known as the “Ban the Box” Act, it prohibits federal contractors from asking applicants seeking work under federal contracts about their criminal histories until after the contractor extends a conditional job offer. On many job applications, the criminal history or record question is answered by checking a box stating “Yes” or “No.” This new restriction is intended to make it easier for people with a record to get jobs.