INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb is focusing on giving applicants with a criminal background a better opportunity at state employment with an executive order signed Thursday.
The “fair chance” hiring order, which will go into effect Saturday, will prevent applicants for jobs within the executive branch of the State of Indiana from being asked whether they have been arrested or convicted of a crime on their initial application.
"This executive order will give Hoosiers with criminal records a second chance by helping them overcome the stigma of their past and live productive lives,” Holcomb said. “We are giving those with criminal records more opportunity to seek public service as a state employee.”
Currently, state employment applicants are asked to disclose whether they have ever been convicted of a crime that was not expunged from their record, or if they have been arrested and have charges pending.
In a statement, Holcomb argues this can discourage qualified, skilled candidates from applying and could limit the ability of a person convicted of a crime to explain their past.
The state will continue to conduct background checks on applicants before a hiring decision is made.
In jobs where state law specifically prohibits someone with a certain conviction from working, applicants will still be asked about their criminal record.
Holcomb said the order is a way to help integrate people with criminal backgrounds back into society and decrease criminal recidivism.
“While I do not believe governments should dictate employers’ hiring processes, I believe everyone deserves a second chance,” Holcomb said. “For that reason, the state agencies under my watch will provide those with a criminal record more opportunity to join the workforce.”
The governor has also said he plans to pursue a complete fair chance hiring policy.
This executive order echoes so-called “ban-the-box” initiatives gaining traction across the country that seek to prevent all employees from being asked to disclose their criminal background.
A 2015 survey by the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights found that 76 percent of former inmates said finding work after being released was difficult or nearly impossible. Nearly two in three said they were unemployed or underemployed five years after release from prison.