Montgomery County’s Council voted unanimously in favor of legislation aimed at helping those with criminal records find employment.

The council unanimously passed “ban the box” legislation that prevents employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal record until the end of the first interview.

However, it excludes any jobs where state or federal law requires a completed background check, such as child care workers, teachers and those working with vulnerable populations.

According to Montgomery County Council’s press release,

The movement to “ban the box” began in Hawaii in 1998. There are now 13 states and more than 60 local jurisdictions that have adopted some form of “ban the box” legislation.

For more information, see the full story on Gazette.net and our previous posts, Prince George’s County Council Considers Bill to “Ban the Box”, Baltimore City Council Passes “Ban the Box” Bill for Ex-Offenders, or this detailed information on Montgomery County Council’s Bill 36-14.