Spokane’s “Ban the Address” Ordinance
The City of Spokane, Washington, has recently expanded their Fair Chance Hiring and passed a groundbreaking ordinance known as the "Ban the Address" Ordinance. This legislation aims to address the issue of homelessness, by prohibiting employers from discriminating against applicants based on the address provided during the application process.
The Basics
Location: City of Spokane, Washington
Legislation: https://my.spokanecity.org/smc/?Section=09.02.050;
Reference: ORD C36666 Section 5
- Employers may not discriminate against an applicant based on their address, including, but not limited to, being unhoused, living in a shelter or in a temporary residence.
- Employers are generally prohibited from inquiring into an individual’s housing status.
- Mailing address fields are still allowed, however, an employer may not inquire for information that would reveal an applicant’s housing status until later in the hiring process.
What does this mean to employers? Employers:
- Cannot ask about an address history until after a job interview or potentially after a conditional offer of employment.
- May not ask in a job application, orally or in writing about an applicant’s housing status.
- May decline to hire an applicant experiencing homelessness or terminate the employment of an employee experiencing homelessness, if the termination or refusal to hire an applicant is not solely based on housing status.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes, but we recommend employers review to determine if they have an exemption under this Ordinance.
Recommendations
We recommend employers review and discuss your organization’s policies and procedures with your legal counsel to ensure continued compliance with the changing laws and regulations.
Please note: The information provided above is strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to be legal advice, either expressed or implied. Accurate recommends that you consult with your legal counsel regarding all employment regulations.
Purpose: https://my.spokanecity.org/smc/?Section=09.02.020
Applicability: https://my.spokanecity.org/smc/?Section=09.02.040
Definitions: https://my.spokanecity.org/smc/?Section=09.02.030
Prohibitions: https://my.spokanecity.org/smc/?Section=09.02.050
