The House approved a bill to ban employers from asking about a job candidate’s criminal history on an application. The bill is a watered-down version from what lawmakers first proposed. The original House Bill would have prohibited employers from conducting a background check before a conditional job offer; the amended version allows them to discuss an applicant’s criminal record at an interview. Democratic supporters say the new version still gives applicants a chance to discuss their criminal record face to face with employers. Portland Mayor Charlie Hales recently pushed for a similar city ordinance but tabled it after business groups expressed concern that it would burden employers.

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