Connecticut State Background Check Laws

Connecticut’s governor signed House Bill 5237 (2016) into law in June 2016, thereby banning-the-box on public and private employers’ job applications. Erased records cannot be considered, at all. Convictions where the job candidate was given either a provisional pardon or a certificate of rehabilitation cannot be the sole basis used to disqualify a candidate.

Bridgeport, CT

Bridgeport’s City Council took action to ratify changes to their civil service rules related to criminal records of job applicants, in October 2009. Criminal history will only be requested if an applicant is “otherwise eligible” to take the civil service exam. Candidates are advised on the initial application that their criminal history will be obtained later in the application process.

Job applicants with criminal histories will be given an individualized assessment following the EEOC criteria. If a candidate is disqualified based on their criminal record, they have the right to appeal the decision.

Hartford, CT

Hartford City Council passed an ordinance in May 2009 changing the hiring policies of both the City and its vendors. The new policies only require background checks for certain positions, and background checks will only be obtained after a conditional job offer is made. Job applicants with criminal histories will be given an individualized assessment following the EEOC criteria. If review of the criminal history results in the denial of employment, the applicant has the right to appeal.

New Haven, CT

The City of New Haven’s Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance in February 2009, requiring both the City and its vendors to delay the conduct of criminal background checks until an applicant has been selected and given an conditional job offer.

Job applicants with criminal records will be given an individualized assessment following EEOC criteria. Applicants will be provided with a copy of their background check report. If an applicant is denied employment due to their criminal record, they have the right to appeal within ten days of being notified they are not being hired.

Norwich, CT

Norwich City Council voted to ban-the-box on City job applications in December 2008. They also delayed criminal history checks until there has been a conditional offer of employment.

Cities Include: Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury, Norwalk, Danbury and more.