Bill > HB180

This bill, titled "Ban the Box-The Criminal Record Employment Discrimination Act," amends Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 344 to prohibit employers from considering or requiring job applicants to disclose their criminal history until after the initial application stage, specifically until the applicant is selected for an interview or, if no interview is conducted, before a conditional offer of employment is made. The intent is to remove employment barriers for individuals with past criminal records and prevent discrimination, allowing them to pursue job opportunities that aid in their reintegration into society. However, this prohibition does not apply to law enforcement positions, jobs requiring a criminal background check by law, positions where a criminal background legally disqualifies an applicant, or roles requiring a fidelity bond that a criminal conviction would prevent an applicant from obtaining. Employers are still permitted to inform applicants if their criminal history would disqualify them from specific positions due to existing laws or company policy.