As we previously reported, the New Jersey Assembly Labor Committee advanced the Opportunity to Compete Act last winter, which would limit the use of criminal background checks in the hiring process. 

On August 11, 2014, Governor Christie signed this bill into law.  The Opportunity to Compete Act will become effective on March 1, 2015 and will prohibit a covered employer from inquiring and using a job applicant’s criminal history during the hiring process.

 

The legislation makes clear, however, that an employer can make inquiries regarding a prospective employee’s criminal record after the initial employment process has ended (i.e., post-interview).