Suffolk Votes To Remove Conviction Checkbox From Job Applications

HAUPPAUGE, NY — The Suffolk County Legislature voted Tuesday to "overwhelmingly" pass a resolution which "Bans the Box" from appearing on job applications, the Office of Suffolk County Legislator Susan A. Berland announced. Removing the conviction history check box from applications is a proven method of increasing employment opportunities for those with criminal convictions, Berland said.

The legislation is meant for applicants to be able to get an interview regardless of their conviction status, as opposed to having their applications discarded based on the conviction check box being ticked, the office said. The law also aims to reduce the stigma and bias associated with people with a criminal background while simultaneously protecting the rights of prospective employers, lawmakers said.

Legislators Kevin J. McCaffrey and Sam Gonzalez co-sponsored the legislation.

"Together with Legislators McCaffrey and Gonzalez, we successfully put forth a bipartisan effort to ‘Ban the Box’ from appearing on job applications," Berland, sponsor of the "Ban the Box" legislation, said in a news release. "This law addresses the concerns of the advocates who testified that applicants with criminal records should have the opportunity to get their foot in the door and make an initial impression on a prospective employer. This law also gives the applicant the ability to address their criminal history with a prospective employer earlier if they so choose. In a bipartisan fashion, we removed ‘the box’ to not only help the applicant get an interview but also protect the employer’s right to investigate the backgrounds of its applicants after an initial interview."

McCaffrey was proud to co-sponsor the legislation as a means of giving people a second chance, he said.

"Everyone deserves an opportunity to put their best foot forward in a job interview
without being automatically disqualified," McCaffrey said. "This legislation strikes a fair balance of protecting employers and prospective employees."

Gonzalez also said he's proud of co-sponsoring the bill.

"There are people who have made mistakes in their lives and they are finding it very difficult to get their lives back in order," he said. "I believe access to gainful employment will improve the quality of life for people with criminal records and the communities in which they live, ultimately reducing recidivism and increasing public safety."