MORE REGULATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS MEANS LESS OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES
MONTPELIER (March 18, 2016): The National Federation of
Independent Business is weighing in on today’s action on H. 261, “Ban the Box” legislation.
The bill, which had its third reading today, was passed with overwhelming
support by lawmakers, leaving the small business community reeling from yet
another impending regulation.
“It’s incredibly sad that lawmakers feel the need to do
everything in their power to regulate small business owners in Vermont even
after being repeatedly warned that over regulation will drive businesses out of
our state,” according to NFIB Vermont Representative, Kris Jolin. “Today we
have them attempting to control the interviewing practices of employers.
Instead of encouraging hiring, they’re creating an unnecessary road block and
interfering with the day to day operation of small businesses.”
H.261 states that, “An employer shall not request criminal
history record information on its initial employee application form. An
employer may inquire about a prospective employee’s criminal history record
during an interview or once the prospective employee has been deemed otherwise
qualified for the position.” Support for ban-the-box laws comes from advocates
of ex-prisoners who believe former criminals don’t stand a chance of
integrating back into society if they’re shadowed by past convictions.
“Our members are burdened with concern over workplace
security and liable for the safety of their existing employees. It’s bad enough
that in Vermont we are subject to damaging policies that make operating a small
business more and more challenging every session. Shouldn’t our Mom and Pop
stores be able to ensure the security of their businesses, if nothing else,”
asked Jolin.
