August

"Beginning July 7, 2016, employers in Philadelphia may not consider credit history or other credit-related information for job-related decisions for many non-managerial jobs. This change stems from an amendment to the Fair Practices Ordinance approved by City Council and signed by Mayor Jim Kenney. Subject to certain exemptions, the amendment makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for a covered employer to procure, to seek to procure, or to use credit information of an employee or applicant in connection with hiring, discharge, tenure, promotion, discipline, or consideration of any other ""term, condition, or privilege of employment"" for the employee or applicant. Philadelphia employers should guard against potential pitfalls of the new law. The amendment also makes it unlawful for an employer to procure or to seek a person's cooperation or consent to procure credit information. "

Louisiana is anticipated to become the latest state to enact statewide protections for applicants with criminal backgrounds under the well-known ""ban the box"" movement. The bill, HB 266, recently passed both houses of the Louisiana Legislature and is currently awaiting approval from Governor John Bel Edwards, who is expected to sign the bill into law. Louisiana private employers will not be affected by the law as written. This bill only affects state employers, which are defined as ""any department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of the state."" Once enacted, state employers may not inquire about a prospective employee 's criminal history at any time prior to an initial interview. If the prospective employer does not conduct an interview, then the employer may not require the applicant to disclose a criminal conviction prior to making a conditional offer of employment.

"People applying for a job in Broward County government will no longer be initially asked if they've been arrested or have a criminal background. Commissioners unanimously voted to ""ban the box,"" a phrase that refers to the check box on employment applications that asks about a person's past criminal wrong doing. ""I think we are leading the way here by setting an example that we ought to ensure everyone has an opportunity to provide for themselves,"" said Broward Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness, who first brought the ordinance to the Board for approval."