SB5549 expands protections for applicants and employees under Washington's fair chance act.

SB5549 amends the Washington fair chance act to strengthen protections for job applicants and employees with criminal records. Employers are prohibited from inquiring about criminal records until after determining an applicant's qualification for a position. Employers cannot reject applicants for failing to disclose criminal records before making a conditional job offer. Employers must consider factors like the seriousness of the conviction, time elapsed since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation before taking adverse employment actions based on criminal records.

SB5549 expands protections for applicants and employees under Washington's fair chance act.

SB5549 amends the Washington fair chance act to strengthen protections for job applicants and employees with criminal records. Employers are prohibited from inquiring about criminal records until after determining an applicant's qualification for a position. Employers cannot reject applicants for failing to disclose criminal records before making a conditional job offer. Employers must consider factors like the seriousness of the conviction, time elapsed since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation before taking adverse employment actions based on criminal records.