A state Senate panel has heard from advocates and business leaders about legislation that would limit New Jersey employers from asking job applicants about their criminal past.The Labor Committee heard from more than a dozen people Thursday.

The bill would effectively "ban the box" on job applications that asks job seekers if they have a criminal history. It still allows employers to ask, but only once a conditional offer is made.

Advocates say studies show evidence of businesses that immediately toss out applications when they see someone marked `yes.'

But business leaders say the inability to inquire about crimes early on is a safety risk and wastes time and money.

 

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