City of Los Angeles Absolutely, Positively Bans the Box, Even for Non-Resident Employers

Not to be outdone by San Francisco or New York City, the City of Los Angeles has enacted the strictest “ban the box” ordinance in the country, and its many requirements are detailed and onerous. The Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, Ordinance No. 184652, prohibits most employers located or doing business in the City of Los Angeles from asking any questions about an applicant’s criminal history until after extending a conditional offer of employment. The Fair Chance Initiative becomes effective Jan. 22, 2017, although employers have a grace period through July 1, 2017, to ensure that practices, forms and postings are in compliance.