New Seattle ordinance bars criminal background checks

On November 1, 2013, Seattle’s new “ban the box” ordinance will limit an employer’s ability to ask about an applicant’s criminal background.  This law affects all job applicants, independent contractors and employees who perform 50% of their services within the Seattle city limits.  Specifically during the initial screening process you are unable to ask about a potential employees criminal background and/or perform a criminal background check.

Those that are not in compliance with the ordinance can face fines between $750 to $1,000 per offense, plus attorney fees.

For more information on this ordinance and things that you need to do to be in compliance, please click on the following link:
http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=a30ffb0b-8a77-4392-a0d5-855313961503

Mark Gjurasic