St. Louis’s ordinance became effective January 1, 2021. Several of its terms make it unique among ban-the-box laws. Again, these apply to employers and not directly to CRAs. This applies to employers with 10 or more employees. This is also restricted to employers located in the City of St. Louis. It does not apply to out of city employers whose employees may travel into St. Louis to do work. Inquiry can be made after employer determines that the applicant is qualified for the position. Unique point – all finalists can be screened, therefore no need for offer of employment prior to seeking a report. Employers are prohibited from seeking publicly available information regarding an applicant’s criminal record. One must assume that this restriction applies prior to the time the applicant is in the “final selection pool” (the term used in the ordinance). Consequences of violation: 1st offense – warnings 2nd offense – order plus a possible fine 3rd offense – possible revocation of business license and fine Enforcement is by the City’s Civil Rights Enforcement Agency. No private right of enforcement for the applicants. |