Bill 118 s 59, also known as the Chance to Compete Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to provide individuals with criminal records a fair chance...
to compete for jobs by prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant's criminal history until a conditional job offer has been made.
The bill aims to reduce barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records, who often face discrimination in the hiring process. By delaying the inquiry into an applicant's criminal history until later in the hiring process, the Chance to Compete Act seeks to ensure that individuals are judged on their qualifications and skills rather than their past mistakes.
If passed, this legislation would apply to all employers with 15 or more employees, as well as federal contractors. Employers would be prohibited from asking about an applicant's criminal history on job applications or during interviews, and would only be allowed to conduct a background check after making a conditional job offer.
Overall, the Chance to Compete Act of 2023 aims to give individuals with criminal records a fair chance to compete for jobs and reintegrate into society. It seeks to address the challenges faced by this population in finding employment and aims to promote a more inclusive and equitable workforce.