Bill > HB495

This bill amends the Texas Labor Code to establish new regulations regarding how employers can consider an applicant's criminal history record information during the hiring process. Specifically, it prohibits employers from including questions about criminal history on initial employment applications and requires them to wait until after an applicant has been determined as otherwise qualified and received a conditional job offer or interview before inquiring about or considering any criminal record information. Additionally, the bill restricts employers from considering criminal history information for offenses that occurred more than seven years prior to the hiring decision. These provisions do not apply to positions where consideration of criminal history is required by law.