All Comparison Tables
Fair Chance Hiring (Ban-the-Box) Laws by State
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Whether the state restricts criminal-history questions on job applications, the conviction lookback period, and exempt positions.
50 States2 data columnsLast updated: January 2026
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| Status | Lookback | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | 7 years | Healthcare, law enforcement |
| Statewide | 7 years | Sensitive positions |
| Statewide | 7 years | Position-related |
| Public only | 10 years | Public sector |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | 7 years (felony) | Sensitive positions |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Statewide | 7 years | Healthcare, schools |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | N/A | Position-related only |
| Statewide | 7 years | Sensitive positions |
| Statewide | 7 years (felony) | Position-related |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | 7 years | Position-related |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | N/A | Position-related |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | N/A | Law enforcement, schools |
| Statewide | N/A | Position-related |
| Statewide | N/A | Position-related |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | N/A | Position-related |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | N/A | Position-related |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | N/A | Position-related |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| Statewide | N/A | Position-related |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Public only | N/A | Public sector only |
| No state law | N/A | N/A |
| Statewide | 10 years | Position-related |
Many cities and counties (NYC, LA, Philadelphia, Chicago, Seattle, Austin) have stricter local fair-chance ordinances. EEOC guidance also requires individualized assessment of conviction-based hiring decisions.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.