Photo by Jame Devine.

D.C. is now enforcing legislation passed unanimously by the D.C. Council in July that will restrict when an employer is able to ask an applicant about his or her criminal history.

The “ban the box” bill, which was introduced by Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) and underwent some changes before its final vote, says that an employer is only allowed to ask about an applicant’s arrests, criminal convictions, or accusations after a conditional offer of employment has been made. So, as of today, employers in D.C. are required by law to remove that box that asks about an applicant’s criminal background on application forms.

In release from the Office of Human Rights, Director Mónica Palacio said that their team is “ready to work with returning citizens and employers to understand the new law,” and promises that their investigation’s team is “ready to receive complaints from job applicants who believe they were unfairly asked about their criminal background.”

To help people better understand the new “ban the box” law, the OHR has updated its website with videos, factsheets, and templates of how a proper application should look like. Additionally, they’re holding an information session about the new “ban the box” law at the Anacostia Library on Tuesday, January 6 at 3 p.m. The OHR also says they’ve been working with the returning citizen community via outreach to help those who would be affected understand the new laws.

“The new criminal background screening law eliminates a critical barrier for many who seek employment in the District, and gives returning citizens a fair chance at rebuilding their life,” Palacio said in a statement. “The spirit of this law encourages employers to focus on the individual and their qualifications, not solely past mistakes, and the Office of Human Rights is committed to doing our part in educating employers and when necessary, holding employers accountable.”