Criminal history questions removed from state job applications

Published April 3, 2015 by Jessica Sabbath

Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order Friday that removes questions about applicants’ criminal history on state employment forms.

The order says that an applicant’s criminal history should not be considered in the hiring process, unless his or her criminal behavior is related to the job for which he or she is being considered. 

“In a new Virginia economy, people who make mistakes and pay the price should be welcomed back into society and given the opportunity to succeed,” McAuliffe said in a statement.

The order applies to all state agencies, boards and commissions within the executive branch of government and encourages similar practices among private employers and state government contractors.

The order says criminal history will be conducted once a candidate has signed an appropriate waiver and is being considered for the position.

Refusal to sign the authorization may have his or her application removed from further consideration.