Ban the Box proposal approved by Alabama Senate committee
Proposed legislation meant to help convicted felons find work after they’re released from prison is moving forward in the Alabama Legislature. Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross said in a statement Thursday that his proposal to create a ‘ban the box’ policy in Alabama has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and may be added to the Senate calendar for debate. Ross’s proposal would prevent state departments and licensing boards from asking applicants about their criminal history during the initial stage of the application process. Advocates have said the policies help reduce recidivism by clearing an easier path for ex-convicts to find stable employment. Opponents have said the policies raise safety and liability concerns. According to the National Employment Law Project, 21 states have implemented policies similar to Ross’s proposal. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Birmingham mayor issues order to ban criminal history on city job applications
Birmingham Mayor William Bell has issued an executive order to protect applicants for city jobs from automatic disqualification over their criminal records. Bell was flanked by officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Labor and others when he announced the order on Thursday. In his order, Bell said providing jobs for people with criminal histories reduces the risk of recidivism. Bell says the order will not impact applications for “sensitive governmental positions.” According to the National Employment Law Project, 19 states and more than 100 cities and counties have adopted so called “ban the box” policies that block employers from asking applicants about their criminal history during the initial application process. Alabama Sen. Minority Leader Quinton Ross has said he’s proposed a statewide “ban the box” policy. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
