Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYC Employers Can No Longer Immediately Discriminate Against Applicants With Criminal Records
By
Lauren Evans
Published Jun 30, 2015
Modified Jun 30, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Lauren Evans
Published Jun 30, 2015
Modified Jun 30, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A new law signed yesterday by Mayor Bill de Blasio will prohibit employers from asking about an applicant's criminal record until the end of the hiring process, after an offer is already made.
Known as the Fair Chance Act, the legislation is designed to give job seekers the chance to be considered based on their skills, not written off thanks to what the bill calls "an unchangeable past." Employers may inquire about a candidate's criminal history only after they've concluded that he or she is the best fit for the job.
"Today I see hope for people like me," 52-year-old Marilyn Scales, a former heroin dealer, told the Daily News. Nearly one and three adults in the U.S. has a criminal history that will show up on a background check.
City agencies have already been operating under a similar hiring policy since 2011. Nationwide, 17 states and more than 100 cities and counties have also adopted fair-chance ordinances.
Councilman Jumaane Williams, who co-sponsored the bill, praised it as one of the most progressive in the nation.
"Though the legislation does not require employers to hire any particular applicant, it delays the background check, thus supplementing preexisting law that says employers cannot deny a job because of a record unless there is a direct relationship to the job," he said in a statement. "Not only does employment strengthen communities and lower recidivism, but employers will have access to a broader range of qualified candidates to consider."
The law will officially take effect in 120 days.
Tagged
fair chance bill
jumaane williams
Lauren Evans
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
After Trump defunding, thousands losing rental assistance in NYC may finally have relief
The Trump administration issued new guidance outlining a plan to replace expiring rental assistance vouchers with a new program.
By
David Brand
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules
Albert Elia accused officials of "systemic discrimination" against blind people looking to serve on juries.
By
Samantha Max
News
Blind man dismissed from grand jury duty can sue NY for discrimination, judge rules
Albert Elia accused officials of "systemic discrimination" against blind people looking to serve on juries.
By
Samantha Max
Gatorade recall affects drinks sold in New York and New Jersey
By
Giulia Heyward
Gov. Hochul declares upstate NY measles outbreak a ‘disaster emergency’
By
Caroline Lewis
NYPD detective forced to retire after false statements in Brooklyn investigation
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .