INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoosiers will no longer have to answer questions about their criminal background when applying for job openings with the state.
Governor Eric Holcomb issued an Executive Order on Thursday for fair chance hiring policies in Indiana’s state government. Effective July 1, the initial employment applications for job openings within the executive branch of the State of Indiana will no longer ask applicants if they have been arrested or convicted of a crime.
“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,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We are giving those with criminal records more opportunity to seek public service as a state employee.”
Currently, state employment applications ask applicants to report any conviction that hasn’t been expunged or sealed and any charges that are pending.
The state will continue to conduct background checks on applications before hiring them. For positions where state law specifically prohibits employment based on certain convictions or pending charges, such as positions within then Department of Child Services, applicants will still be required to answer criminal records questions.
“While I do not believe governments should dictate employers’ hiring processes, I believe everyone deserves a second chance,” Gov. Holcomb said. “For that reason, the state agencies under my watch will provide those with a criminal record more opportunity to join the workforce.”
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