Kentucky2026Active
HB123
Ban the Box: Rules for Asking About Job Applicants' Criminal Records
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:26 AM
In one sentence
This law makes it illegal for most employers to ask about criminal records until after an applicant is selected for an interview or receives a conditional job offer.
What it does
- Makes it unlawful for employers to consider or require disclosure of criminal history before selecting an applicant for an interview.
- Requires employers to wait until making a conditional job offer if no interview takes place first.
- Allows employers to ask about criminal records during the first interview or later in the process.
- Permits employers to inform applicants that certain past crimes will disqualify them from specific jobs.
Who it affects
- Employers hiring for most job positions
- Job applicants with a history of felony or misdemeanor convictions
- Applicants facing pending criminal charges
Limits and unknowns
- This law does not apply to jobs in law enforcement agencies.
- It does not cover positions where federal or state laws already require a background check.
- It does not apply to positions where an applicant with a criminal record is disqualified by law.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Conditional offer of employment
- A promise to hire someone that depends on passing checks like background reviews.
- Fidelity bond
- Insurance an employer buys to protect against theft or fraud by employees, which some people with criminal records cannot get.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
AN ACT relating to criminal histories of job applicants.