The city of Los Angeles has adopted the Fair Chance Initiative Ordinance (Ordinance), which aims to eliminate a barrier to employment for persons who have been convicted of crimes. The Ordinance, which becomes effective Jan. 22, applies to any private employer in Los Angeles or those doing business in the city that employs 10 or more employees. The term “applicant” is broadly defined as any individual who submits an application or other documentation for employment. The Ordinance, however, does not apply to employers that are required by law to obtain information regarding a conviction of an applicant or those that are prohibited from hiring an applicant that has been convicted of a crime. The Fair Chance Process gives an applicant the opportunity to provide information regarding the accuracy of their criminal history after a conditional offer has been made.

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