On February 7, 2013, three New Jersey Senators introduced
"The Opportunity to Compete Act," which would eliminate
the check box that requires job applicants to disclose their
criminal history and would also prohibit advertisements
discouraging those with criminal records from applying.
If passed, an employer could only consider a job applicant's
criminal history after the employer makes a conditional offer of
employment. After extending a conditional offer, employers may
consider convictions for murder, arson, sex offense requiring
registration, and terrorism, as well as any pending criminal
charges. Employers may not consider:
- convictions for most crimes of the first through fourth degree
for which an applicant was released from custody over ten years
ago;
