Joining the current “Ban the Box” trend, the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act prohibits Illinois employers from asking job applicants about their criminal history until after the employer determines that the individual is qualified for the position and notifies the individual that s/he has been selected for an interview. If an employer does not conduct interviews, then any inquiry into an applicant’s criminal background cannot take place until after the employer makes a conditional offer of employment. In light of this new legislation, Illinois employers with multi-state locations or branches should review any “national” or uniform job applications, especially those completed via the Internet.

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