November 13, 2014

Leggett Signs “Ban the Box” Bill

County Executive Ike Leggett on Nov. 10 signed the “Ban the Box” legislation that will delay the time during the job application process when certain employers can ask an applicant about their criminal background. Among those at the ceremonies in Rockville were the chief sponsors of the legislation, County Councilmembers Marc Elrich, left, and Cherri Branson, right. Also at the ceremonies were Councilmember Roger Berliner (second from left), Council Vice President George Leventhal (center) and Director of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Art Wallenstein.
County Executive Ike Leggett recently signed the legislation passed by the County Council that delays the point at which an employer in the County can inquire into the criminal history of an applicant for a job in the County until the conclusion of the first interview. It makes exceptions for any positions currently required by state or federal law to have completed background checks, like childcare workers, teachers, and those working with vulnerable populations.

The ‘Ban the Box’ law gets its unofficial name from the question (or box to be checked) on an employment application that asks an applicant about their criminal background.


Read more in the news release.