The "Ban the Box Act of 2025" aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by prohibiting job applications from including questions about criminal convictions unless such convictions are directly related to the job or license being sought. The bill establishes a policy to support the rehabilitation of criminal offenders and outlines definitions for terms such as "conviction of crime," "public employment," and "hiring or licensing authority." It specifies that employers cannot inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after an interview or a conditional job offer, with certain exceptions for specific sectors like the Department of Corrections and financial institutions.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that individuals cannot be disqualified from public employment or licensure solely based on prior convictions unless those convictions are directly relevant to the position. It provides guidelines for assessing the relevance of a conviction, including the nature of the crime and the time elapsed since the offense. The act also mandates that hiring authorities notify applicants of the reasons for any disqualification and outlines a grievance process for violations. Penalties for non-compliance vary based on the size of the employer and the timing of the violation, with the act taking effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
01/16/2025: 41-1-23
Latest Version: 41-1-23