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Washington: New “Ban-the-Box” Law Prevents Pre-Qualification Criminal Inquiries

APPLIES TO

All Employers with WA Employees

EFFECTIVE

June 7, 2018

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(888) 378-2456

Effective June 7, 2018, the Washington Fair Chance Act (the “Act”) imposes new “ban-the-box” requirements on employers.  Employers may not obtain information about an applicant’s criminal history before the employer has determined the applicant is otherwise qualified, among other new requirements.  Additionally, employers may not advertise job postings in a way that automatically excludes individuals with criminal history from applying.  However, employers may still solicit information about criminal history after making the determination that the individual is otherwise qualified for the position.