OR Bans the Box

Effective 01/01/2016, Oregon officially “Banned the box.” Private employers are no longer allowed to ask about criminal conviction information prior to the hiring process.

A nationwide trend has been noticed among states such as HI, IL, MA, MN, WA and multiple cities and counties across the country. This law is usually enacted to help ex-offenders obtain employment. The theory; if the applicant has a chance to prove their worthiness, the employer may not put much weight into the conviction. The jury is still out about whether or not this is effective or even safe.

Some exceptions do apply to this Oregon Statute such as, private employers that are required to obtain criminal background checks on applicants by federal, state or local laws.

If you have any concerns about your compliance, don’t hesitate to contact your Pre-Employment Screening Professionals at Employer’s Investigative Services.

Employer’s Investigative Services is a nationwide provider of pre-employment background checks, drug testing and occupational health services. They can be reached toll free at 866-350-5638 or visit them on the web at www.eischecks.com.