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Government agencies in Orange County, Florida must remove questions about criminal records from job applications.

Creating Second Chances

A new law in Orange County, Florida prohibits government agencies from including questions about criminal histories on their job applications. Currently, those forms can require people to check a box if they have any arrests or convictions.

OC Human Resources Director Ricardo Daye spoke in favor of this change. He said: “A lot of viable candidates might be deterred to even apply for positions with the county, just because they got to answer that question. We want to make sure there’s no barrier for people who want to work.”

The law is intended to help job seekers, employers and the community. By creating more opportunities for people who have convictions, the rate of recidivism is expected to decrease. Experts who study Second Chance Laws like this one say they help people re-enter society and avoid feeling like they have no choice but to commit additional crimes just to survive. In return, employers often see larger pools of potentially qualified candidates.

Support

An amendment to implement this law was approved by a large majority of voters in 2018. Information about the amendment noted that former convicts should be allowed to find employment and other necessities after serving their sentences and completing related tasks. Studies have shown hiring managers often disregard applications that indicate the person has criminal records, even if they don’t know if the offenses are relevant to the position, outdated or minor.

Desmond Meade is the Executive Director of Orlando’s Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC). Meade helped lead efforts to promote the benefits of a Ban the Box law to Orange County residents. An announcement about the law's passing was made on the second annual “Desmond Meade Day” to honor his work.

Next Steps For Government Employers

Neil Volz, Deputy Director of the FRRC, said the county is working on updating their hiring process and the forms that are given to applicants. Their goal is to have everything completed in October. The county is partnering with the FRRC to improve access to jobs. Currently, they have more than 8,000 employees and many more positions waiting to be filled.

Limitations

There are certain government jobs for which people who have convictions might not be eligible. The county’s Ban the Box law will not be enforced for public safety positions such as law enforcement and firefighters.

Running Background Checks

Ban the Box and other Second Chance laws seek to help people who were convicted of various types of offenses. In many situations, having a record does not disqualify a person from holding most jobs. It is, however, still essential for employers to run comprehensive background checks during the hiring process. These reports help organizations determine if someone poses an undue risk, of if they are qualified and eligible.

Background checks empower employers to make informed decisions and create safe workplaces. When you need to screen applicants, contractors, volunteers or employees, please contact us. Our team can help you customize screening packages and enhance your hiring process. We are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.