Ohio bill limits public sector use of criminal background info

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio House has approved a bill that would limit public employers’ use of criminal background information in hiring.

The bill would prohibit public employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history until the person has been selected for the position and an offer is about to be made.

The bill passed by the House today still allows public employers to reject applicants because of their criminal histories but says the employers must first consider several factors.

These include the nature of the crime and how serious it was, how it relates to the job being applied for, and the applicant’s record since being out of prison.

The bill sponsors are Rep. Kirk Schuring, a Canton Republican, and Stephen Slesnick, a Canton Democrat.