In 1998, Hawaii became the first state to “ban the box,” prohibiting private employers from inquiring about a candidate’s criminal history until the employer has made a conditional offer. It was not for another 12 years before another state, Massachusetts, followed suit and enacted similar legislation, although the Massachusetts statute permits employers to ask the question about criminal history during the interview process.
Home > Federal Law Articles > Human Resources > Background Checks > It’s Not Just a Box: Understanding How “Ban-the-Box” Laws Go Beyond Your Employment Application