Lawmakers seek to ban criminal record info from job applications in Ohio

TheNewsOutlet.org

Warren did it. Youngstown did it. So have 100 other communities and 13 states. Now, it’s Ohio’s turn to consider “Banning the Box.”

Two state representatives from Canton — Republican Kirk Schuring and Democrat Steve Slesnik — introduced legislation in February that would make it illegal to ask about a job applicant’s criminal record before making a conditional job offer.

“House Bill 56 is intended to ensure that ex-offenders in our state have a fair chance in seeking and securing job opportunities with public employers,” Schuring said.

State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan of Youngstown, D-58th, is one of the bill’s co-sponsors and the ranking member of the Commerce and Labor Committee that has had several hearings on the legislation.

“The Ohio Fair Hiring Act will help those who have overcome past mistakes and want to be productive, taxpaying citizens to obtain gainful employment in the public sector,” Lepore-Hagan said.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.