SB 252 (Dance) prohibits state agencies from asking for information related to an arrest, charge, or conviction prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment. Exceptions to the prohibition include positions designated as sensitive or related to law-enforcement. The offer of employment may be withdrawn if the arrest or charge resulted in a conviction and if the crime directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the position sought. The language is permissive for local hiring processes, and stipulates that any locality may, by ordinance, prohibit the inclusion on any application for employment of a question inquiring whether the prospective employee has ever been arrested or charged with, or convicted of, any crime.
The bill has passed the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee.
VACo Contacts: Phyllis Errico, Esq., CAE and Khaki LaRiviere