In early May, the Connecticut legislature passed H.B. 5237, which prohibits employers from inquiring about a prospective employee’s prior arrests, criminal charges, or convictions on an initial employment application, unless (1) the employer is required to do so by an applicable state or federal law; or (2) a security or fidelity bond or an equivalent bond is required for the position for which the prospective employee is seeking employment. Significantly, the bill does not prohibit requesting arrest, criminal charge, or conviction information beyond the initial employment application. The bill also provides that complaints as to alleged violations are to be filed with the Labor Commissioner.

Employers have until January 1, 2017 to update their application forms to comply with the new law.