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House backs screening reforms to delay criminal‑history questions until interview
Summary
First substitute HB 156 directs state employers not to require applicants to disclose prior criminal convictions before an initial interview for most positions, with exemptions for public-safety roles; the House adopted clarifying amendments and passed the bill 40–32.
The House approved first substitute House Bill 156, a measure that changes the state‑hiring process to consider applicant qualifications before requesting disclosure of past criminal convictions.
Representative Hollins presented the bill, explaining it arose from constituent concerns about the difficulty formerly incarcerated people face finding work. The bill instructs state employers not to ask applicants about criminal history until after an initial interview, but it preserves required background checks and exempts positions where law requires conviction consideration (for example, law enforcement or jobs involving children and vulnerable adults).
Floor amendments added or clarified language to exempt juvenile convictions where appropriate and to make explicit that the bill does not eliminate background checks; it simply moves the timing of disclosure. Supporters said the measure aligns with practices used in dozens of other states and helps reduce recidivism by focusing first on qualifications. Opponents pressed for precise definitions of terms such as "human services system" and how the exemption would apply to teacher or school‑related positions.
After amendment and further discussion, the House passed first substitute HB 156 by a roll-call vote of 40 yes and 32 no; the bill will be forwarded to the Senate.
