Washington Expands Ban the Box Law

On April 21, 2025, Governor Inslee signed HB 1747, adding new restrictions for employers reviewing applicants’ and employees’ criminal histories.

Effective July 1, 2026, for employers with 15 or more employees

1. Employers may not:

   • Ask about criminal history before a conditional job offer

   • Take adverse action based on arrest or juvenile conviction records

   • Take adverse action based on adult conviction records without a legitimate business reason

2. Employers must provide notice before taking adverse action and give individuals a chance to respond

3. Applies to employers with fewer than 15 employees starting January 1, 2027

Washington employers should review hiring policies and update procedures for handling criminal background information to comply with the new law.

Read HB 1747 for full details.

Need help updating your hiring policies under Washington’s new Ban the Box requirements? Contact NorWalk for compliance support.