“New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today that his office has secured agreements with four of the nation’s largest background check agencies. The agreements prohibit the agencies from automatically disqualifying applicants with criminal convictions and require the agencies to defer hiring decisions to employers who must conduct an individualized consideration of candidates in accordance with New York State law.
New York Attorney General Schneiderman issued a press release relating to employers’ and CRAs’ compliance with NY Article 23-A of the Corrections law.  “New Yorkers who have paid their debt to society deserve a fair shot at employment opportunities,†Attorney General Schneiderman said. “Background check agencies that implement blanket bans on hiring ex-offenders are violating New York State law. My office is committed to reforming practices in this industry that frustrate efforts at rehabilitation.â€
State law requires that employers consider a number of mitigating factors in making hiring decisions based on criminal history. These include, for example, the nature and gravity of an applicant’s criminal conviction; its bearing, if any, on the specific responsibilities of the job sought; the time that has elapsed since the conviction; the age of the applicant at the time when the offense was committed, and evidence of rehabilitation. The law further prohibits third parties from aiding and abetting employers in violating the statute. Attorney General Schneiderman’s office is committed to upholding these laws to ensure that all New Yorkers receive equal access to job opportunities.
These agreements are part of the Attorney General’s continuing efforts to combat barriers to successful reentry by improving access to employment opportunities for individuals with criminal convictions who are seeking to contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
Originally posted by The New York State Office of the Attorney General. Read the full story at http://www.ag.ny.gov/press-release/ag-schneiderman-announces-agreements-background-check-agencies-end-illegal-hiring.
