Portland, Oregon Passes Broad Ban the Box Law: Employment Law Manual Updated, Other Documents Added

Authors: David B. Weisenfeld, Melissa A. Silver and Beth P. Zoller, XpertHR Legal Editors

Portland, Oregon has passed one of the nation's broader "ban the box" ordinances restricting an employer from asking about or accessing an applicant's criminal background. Effective July 1, 2016, employers with six or more employees may not inquire about or access an applicant's criminal history prior to making a conditional employment offer. Limited exemptions are provided, including for jobs in law enforcement or with direct access to children, the elderly or the disabled.

The following Employment Law Manual sections have been updated to reflect this development:

The Ban the Box Laws by State and Municipality Quick Reference Chart also has been updated and a Legal Timetable entry has been added.