Albany County Legislators Approve “Ban The Box” Bill

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Lawmakers in upstate New York have approved legislation that protects job applicants who have criminal records from discrimination.

Albany County legislators voted to "ban the box" Monday night in a 32-3 vote. The measure will prohibit the county from asking candidates about their criminal history on applications and in interviews.

Proponents of the reform cite unfair treatment of people who have a criminal record.

Legislators say the county can probe about criminal history after they extend an employment offer but applicants will have a chance to respond.

Albany follows several other New York counties that have also passed similar laws.