Illinois has joined the increasing number of states that have enacted “Ban the Box” laws (so named because they prohibit employers from including on job applications a box for applicants to check if they have ever been convicted of a crime). On July 19, 2014, the Governor of Illinois signed the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (JOQAA). That law, with certain exceptions, prohibits Illinois employers and employment agencies from inquiring into, considering, or requiring disclosure of a job applicant’s criminal record or criminal history until the applicant has been determined qualified for the position sought and notified that he/she has been selected for an interview, or if there is no interview, until after a conditional offer of employment is made.
