applicant is conducted; and
WHEREAS, "Ban the Box" policies should not apply to
employment positions in which a prior criminal conviction would
be contrary to the functions of the position, especially any
position involving the safeguarding or security of people or
property, such as law enforcement, jobs involving handling of
money or financial matters and positions involving contact with
vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS, Since 1998, more than 18 state governments and 100
city governments have adopted "Ban the Box" policies, including
New Jersey in 2014, Georgia and Ohio in 2015, the cities of
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, both in 2012, and Harrisburg in
2015; and
WHEREAS, Many persons who seek employment with the
Commonwealth are veterans who have served with honor in the War
on Terror, but who committed a criminal offense that taints an
otherwise distinguished record of service; and
WHEREAS, The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that more
than 90% of all prisoners will return to our communities and,
according to the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, 1 in every
10 inmates is a veteran; and
WHEREAS, It is important that the Commonwealth provide a
viable pathway for our returning veterans and residents who
genuinely seek employment opportunities to participate in public
service and become taxpaying members of society; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth government can lead the private
sector in the practice of adopting "Ban the Box" policies and
hiring practices consistent with such policies; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the Office
of Administration to adopt a "Ban the Box" policy relating to
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