Rhode Island's Fair Chance Law
Source: National Employment Law Project
Signed into law on July 15, 2013, by Governor Lincoln Chafee (D), HB 5507 prohibits an employer from inquiring about an applicant’s prior criminal convictions until the first interview with the applicant. An employer may inquire about the applicant’s criminal convictions during the first interview. There are exceptions for positions where an applicant with a conviction history would be automatically disqualified by law. Introduced by Reps. Scott Slater (D), Michael W. Chippendale (R), Anastasia Williams (D), Joseph S. Almeida (D), and Grace Diaz (D), see bill information.
Commentary: Rhode Island became the fourth state in the nation to implement ban-the-box for private employers statewide. Direct Action for Rights and Equality championed the efforts for years, producing the powerful video Beyond the Box.
