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Denton council backs an opt‑in city program to connect employers to fair‑chance hiring resources
Summary
After a staff briefing and extended debate, the council directed staff to develop a voluntary, city‑led resource and recognition program linking businesses to workforce resources and promoting ‘second‑chance’ employers, rather than passing a mandatory ordinance now.
Council members spent the first work session on Aug. 5 debating how far the city should go to discourage early criminal‑history screening by employers. Christie Fogle, the city’s chief of staff, told council that Denton’s human‑resources practice already delays criminal‑history checks until after a conditional offer, and presented three staff options: an ordinance, a formal internal city policy, or no action. Fogle also reported that the Denton Chamber had told staff it currently has no plans to implement the voluntary chamber program it proposed last year.
Councilmember Brandon McGee urged a middle path: "My direction is for option 2," he said, asking the city to formalize its internal practice while also pitching a modified approach that would let the city play a limited but visible role for private employers. McGee said he regretted earlier compromises with the Chamber and proposed that the city instead publish links to workforce resources and create a voluntary recognition or seal for businesses that adopt fair‑chance practices.
Several council members supported that opt‑in, outreach‑focused path; others emphasized that private employers must retain hiring authority and warned against city mandates. Staff said the most practical next step would be to post links to workforce and state resources on the city website, explain the city’s own hiring practice, and return with an implementation plan and draft materials. Council authorized staff to develop the modified, voluntary program and report back, rather than begin an ordinance process immediately.
No ordinance was introduced or voted on. The direction given is for staff to develop materials, a website link hub to workforce resources, and an optional recognition program for businesses that voluntarily adopt second‑chance hiring practices.
