Excerpted from Richmond-Times Dispatch article
The Virginia Senate on Friday voted 23-16 to pass “ban the box” legislation governing public employment.
It would bar state agencies and localities from including on an employment application a question about whether the prospective employee has ever been arrested, charged with or convicted of a crime, with certain exceptions.
A prospective employee could not be asked if he has been convicted of a crime unless he has received a conditional offer of employment. The offer could be withdrawn if the worker has a conviction that directly relates to the position’s duties.
“This is about second chances,” said Sen. Rosalyn Dance, D-Petersburg, sponsor of Senate Bill 252. “Those who have paid their debts to society should be given the opportunity to be a productive member of society.”