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Bill

S 5297

Requires employers to make a conditional offer of employment before inquiring about any criminal convictions of a prospective employee

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Luis Sepúlveda and 1 co-sponsor

S 5297 - Conditional Offer of Employment Before Criminal Inquiry OverviewBill Number: S 5297 Title: Requires employers to make a conditional offer of employment before inquiring a

REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · S 5297

S 5297 - Conditional Offer of Employment Before Criminal Inquiry

Overview

Bill Number: S 5297
Title: Requires employers to make a conditional offer of employment before inquiring about any criminal convictions of a prospective employee
Status: REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Introduced: February 20, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this bill is to prohibit employers from inquiring about a job applicant's criminal history until after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The intent is to prevent discrimination against applicants with criminal records and provide them a fair chance at employment.

Key Provisions

  • Employers are prohibited from inquiring about, considering, or requiring disclosure of any criminal conviction or arrest record of a job applicant until after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
  • Employers must make a conditional offer of employment before conducting a criminal background check or inquiring about criminal history.
  • Exceptions are allowed for certain sensitive positions, such as those involving vulnerable populations or security-related roles.
  • Employers who violate these requirements may be subject to civil penalties.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Job applicants with criminal records would benefit from this legislation, as it would provide them a fairer opportunity to be considered for employment without their criminal history being an immediate disqualification.
  • Employers would need to adjust their hiring practices to comply with the new requirements, potentially delaying background checks until after a conditional offer is made.
  • Certain industries and positions that involve working with vulnerable populations or sensitive information may be exempt from the new requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has been referred to the Investigations and Government Operations committee for further consideration. If passed by the committee, it would then move to a full vote in the legislature. The timeline for potential enactment and implementation of the new requirements is currently unclear.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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