Senate committee hears broad support for SB 143 'ban the box' extension to private employers

Ohio Senate Workforce Development Committee members heard proponent testimony and asked clarifying questions at a second hearing on Senate Bill 143, legislation that would limit when private employers may ask about an applicant's criminal history.

Seth Van Horn, director of the Center for Employment Opportunities in Columbus, described CEO's reentry employment work and told the committee SB 143 "would allow people with a criminal history to apply to jobs in the private sector with the confidence that they will be evaluated based on the skills, experience and the person they are today." Van Horn said CEO serves "350 plus" job seekers with criminal records across Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus and reported an average wage at placement in Columbus of $17.74 per hour.

Glenn A. Harris, Director of Prevention at the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, described how survivors can carry criminal records tied to abuse and said SB 143 "ensures survivors could be considered on their skills first by removing criminal history questions from the initial job…