NM job seekers don't have to disclose crime record

[The Straight Story]

NM job seekers don't have to disclose crime record


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico became the second state to "ban the box" with Gov. Bill Richardson's signature on a law prohibiting employment applications for government agencies from asking job seekers if they'd been convicted of a crime.

The measure was signed Monday and covers job applications for state, county or local government but not private business.

The legislation doesn't prohibit employers from asking the question once they're face-to-face with applicants and doesn't stop them from doing background checks.

It passed the New Mexico Senate 35-4 and the House 54-14

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hNzm95GwidZYbQ1KbXQKYU-GUfsAD9EB98E80

[BunkerHill24]

1. So if you don't check the box and you don't sign consent form

does that mean employers can still do background checks?

[MineralMan]

2. I'm not sure, but they can sure as heck not hire you.

Haven't seen any forced hiring laws yet. "Sorry, but we selected another applicant," I think the boilerplate line goes.

[BunkerHill24]

3. Thanks for your reply. I was being devil's advocate.

:hi:

[Jim__]

4. That's good news.

It makes little sense to hold a criminal record against someone for the rest of their life. It's sort of a one mistake and you're finished scenario.