What is Ban the Box?
Since 2014, Ban the Box legislation has been in effect for Baltimore businesses with +10 full time employees. Employers must evaluate candidates based on their merit, from the application forms to the interview process, and can legally request a criminal background check after offering a "conditional offer of employment." Conditional offers signal that a candidate has proven to be a good fit for the role, and only a prior criminal offense that directly relates to the role would be grounds to take back that offer.
The main exception is for facilities or employers that provide direct services to minors or vulnerable adults, of which they can request criminal history background checks prior to conditional offers of employment.
What happens if my business in non-compliant?
Our goal is to bring all Baltimore-based businesses up to date on Ban the Box legislation so our economy can continue to grow and all qualified applicants can have a fair chance and making that happen. Individuals [persons, organizations, or other entities] that fail to be non-compliant to Ban the Box legislation can face up to $500 in fines and 90 days in imprisonment per offense. (Source: Gordon-Feinblatt LLC)
How do I become Ban the Box compliant?
As Maryland Justice Project spearheaded efforts to have Ban the Box legislation passed in Baltimore, we are dedicated to supporting our community. Businesses who need guidance in understanding the law and changing their admissions forms and interview processes can contact Executive Director Monica Cooper at monica@marylandjusticeproject.org to schedule a training and technical assistance. Please include "Ban the Box Business Training" in your email subject line.