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Ban the Box: What Employers Actually Need to Know
Dozens of states and cities restrict when you can ask about convictions. Here is the practical version.
August 19, 2026 6 minute read
It is about timing, not blindness
Ban-the-box laws generally remove the conviction checkbox from the initial application and push the inquiry until later in the process, often after a conditional offer. You can still run background checks.
Individualized assessment
Many jurisdictions and EEOC guidance point to the same three factors: the nature of the offense, the time elapsed, and its relationship to the job. Document your reasoning when you decline someone on those grounds.
Check your own state and city
Requirements vary widely, and some roles carry statutory bars regardless of local rules. Confirm your obligations with counsel — this is a summary, not legal advice.