Featured Image - Colorado Updates to Ban-the-Box Law June 24, 2019

Colorado Updates to Ban-the-Box Law June 24, 2019

Back to Ban the Box

The Basics

Location: Colorado
Legislation: HB 19-1025
Type: Ban the Box
Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2019 for Employers with 11 or more employees; Sept. 1, 2021 for all employers

Colorado has joined a growing number of jurisdictions that have passed “ban‐the‐box” laws. The law limits when employers can inquire into and consider the criminal history of a job applicant.

Key Takeaways:

  • Employers cannot inquire about or require an applicant to disclose criminal history on an initial application.
  • Prohibits stating in an advertisement that a person with a criminal history may not apply for the position.
  • Prohibits placing a statement in an employment application that a person with a criminal history may not apply for a position.

Which employers are affected?

This law applies to all private sector employers, regardless of size. In addition, this also include employment agencies as defined as well as any agent, representative or designee of an employer.

What is prohibited in the law?

  • Employers are prohibiting from advertising or placing a statement on the employment application that a person with a criminal history may not apply for the position.
  • Employers are also not allowed to inquire into, or require disclosure of, an applicant’s criminal history on the initial written or electronic application.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes, the following are exempt from this bill:

  • Federal, State, or Local Law or Regulation prohibits employing for the position a person with a specific criminal history.
  • The position is designated by the employer to participate in Federal, State, or Local government program to encourage the employment of people with criminal histories.
  • The employer is required by Federal, State, or Local Law or Regulation to conduct a criminal history record check for that position, regardless of whether the position is for an employee or independent contractor.

Recommendations

We recommend you review the Bill in its entirety and discuss with your legal counsel your organization’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the changing laws and regulations.

Contact Accurate Background

For more information regarding recent legislative changes in other states and jurisdictions, visit our Legislative Updates page.

*Please note: Accurate prepared these materials for informational purposes only. These materials are not intended to be comprehensive, and are not a substitute for, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Accurate does not warrant any statements in these materials. Employers should direct questions involving their organization’s compliance with or interpretation or application of laws or regulations and any additional legal requirements that may apply, to their own legal counsel.