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One to Keep An Eye On: House Bill 5237 (aka "Ban the Box") (Connecticut)


As with many employment and labor law related cases (and bills) that are being litigated around the country, there are always a few that stand out.  This is one to keep an eye on.


"Ban the Box" laws have been a hot topic in the past few years.  However, some cities and states have been more active on the issue than others.  In Connecticut, House Bill 5237 is the state's most recent Ban the Box measure that is currently working its way through the state legislature.  Currently, the Bill has been referred to the Appropriations Committee for further review and discussion.

Similar Ban the Box legislation has been considered in the state previously, but has not passed.  This Bill tracks similar Ban the Box legislation in other states in that, if passed, employers would be prohibited from asking applicants about past criminal convictions until after a conditional offer of employment has been made.  Of course, there are exceptions to this proposed law, such as if disclosure of an arrest, criminal charge, or conviction is required under an applicable state or federal law.

At this point, it is hard to say if House Bill 5237 will become law.  It is still in the early stages in the legislature as it works its way through.  Do not be surprised to see increasing pressure on members of the legislature by several pro-employer groups in the coming weeks.  Whether that will be enough to stave off this most recent attempt to pass Ban the Box legislation in Connecticut is hard to say...but well worth keeping an eye on.


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