Michigan Bans-The-Box For Felons

Category: Public Policy

 
There has been a slight change in Michigan’s ban on “Ban-the-Box” ordinances.

And a slight change it is.

On Friday, September 7, 2018, the term-limited Governor Rick Snyder, signed an executive-directive ordering all Michigan departments to remove questions about criminal histories from state job applications effective October 1, 2018.

More specifically, applications will no longer ask questions about prior felony convictions.

Furthermore, the governor has also asked the Office of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to remove criminal background questions from licensing applications for skilled-trade workers except where required by federal or state law.

That is, some professional licensing depending on the industry may or may not require a criminal background screening.

The good news for returning citizens is that this will prevent state departments from utilizing criminal histories as an initial screening for employment.

On the other hand, applicants seeking employment with the state will only be temporarily relieved of criminal background checks as they may be required to authorize it if offered employment after the initial application.

The bad news is that this new change of heart for the governor did not cause him to reverse the law in Michigan which bans “Ban-the-Box” ordinances in our state.  Neither did he apply his generosity to the private sector.  He only states the hope that the initiative will work and other public and private employers will follow suit.

Remember, this comes after he signed the “Local Government Labor Regulatory Limitation Act” into law on March 26, 2018.  The law states that cities and counties located in the State of Michigan are, in fact, prohibited from adopting "ban-the-box" ordinances for felony convictions. 

So, we’ll see how this pans out.

Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and please share with your followers.  If you’re in need of case management services or need additional assistance complete the confidential Contact Form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html
Donate:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=u9ZbQw7yTRWAm9K4Yl2MKERd76oKf_lBrejXuVLAx0j5rsSTG72gmICfR9S-bVY4az_Imm&country.x=US&locale.x=US

Related Posts:
Ban-the-Box Laws: Employment Rights for Felons
​http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/ban-the-box-laws-employment-rights-for-felons
City of Detroit Project Clean Slate Free Expungement Fairs 2018
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/city-of-detroit-project-clean-slate-free-expungement-fairs-2018
Returning Citizens
​http://www.canmichigan.com/returning-citizens.html