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Ban the Box: Tennessee Edition


Earlier this week, the Tennessee House of Representatives approved a bill that would eliminate a question on a job applicant's criminal history when seeking a state government position.  While the bill does have some exemptions, such as still allowing the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the state Department of Education, and the state Board of Education to still ask about an applicant's criminal history, this is a major development.  Advocates of this bill, and other "Ban the Box" measures around the country, argue that these laws are necessary to provide an equal opportunity to applicants that have been convicted of a crime.  

Since this bill has already been approved by the Tennessee Senate by a 25-7 vote, the measure heads to Governor Bill Haslam's desk for signature.  The Governor had previously stated that he would likely sign the legislation, if approved by the Tennessee Legislature.

For those wondering, there is another "Ban the Box" bill that is sitting on the Governor's desk.  That one is focused on privately owned companies that would be prohibited from asking about an applicant's criminal history on a job application.  I think that is a tougher bill to sign into law than this one for the simple reason that regulating the questions that can be asked for a state government position is one thing...but regulating the questions that can be asked in private industry is a tougher sell to the general public. 


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