Texas House Bill HB1720

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the consideration of criminal history record information regarding applicants for employment.

Impact

The enactment of HB1720 is expected to significantly impact hiring practices across various sectors. By restricting the timing and context under which employers can inquire about criminal history, the bill seeks to provide a fairer opportunity for applicants, particularly those who may have previously encountered legal issues. This legislative change could lead to increased employment opportunities for individuals with past convictions, as it aims to reduce biases in the hiring process based on outdated or irrelevant information. Employers will need to adapt their hiring procedures to comply with these new regulations, which could entail modifications in application forms and interview protocols.

Summary

House Bill 1720 introduces new regulations concerning the consideration of criminal history record information in the employment process. The bill specifically prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history on initial employment applications. Instead, employers may only consider such information after determining that the applicant is otherwise qualified and has either received a conditional job offer or an invitation for an interview. Furthermore, any criminal history that is older than seven years prior to the employment decision is not allowed to be considered, effectively limiting the scope of background checks in the initial hiring stages.

Contention

While the bill aims to promote fairness in the hiring process, there are notable points of contention among stakeholders. Supporters of the bill argue that it encourages rehabilitation and re-entry into the workforce for individuals with criminal records, thereby contributing to public safety and reducing recidivism rates. Opponents, however, raise concerns about potential risks associated with limiting access to criminal history, suggesting that this could compromise workplace safety or integrity. The debate reflects broader societal discussions surrounding justice reform and the balance between protecting individual rights and ensuring employer discretion in hiring decisions.