Illinois Restructuring Use of Criminal Records Checks
Illinois’ Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (commonly referred to as the “Ban The Box” law) took effect on January 1, 2015 for the large majority of Illinois employers relating to their employment application procedures.
Most notably, the new law prevents employers (who have 15 or more employees in the current or preceding calendar year) from inquiring into an employment candidate’s criminal record or criminal history until such applicant has been deemed qualified for the employment position and, either selected for an interview or provided a conditional offer of employment – with only a few exceptions. In the event an employer violates this new law, the Illinois Department of Labor will implement compounding civil penalties: starting at $500.00 and increasing for every 30 days an employer remains in violation.
If you have questions regarding this new law, or would like to have your employment application procedures professionally prepared or reviewed in order to conform to the new law, please contact Heather Siddle at 314.862.0300.