Prohibits state agencies from including on any employment application a question inquiring whether the prospective employee has ever been arrested or charged with, or convicted of, any crime, subject to certain exceptions. A prospective employee may not be asked if he has ever been convicted of any crime unless the inquiry takes place after the prospective employee has received a conditional offer of employment, which offer may be withdrawn if the prospective employee has a conviction record that directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the position. A prospective employee may not be asked if he has ever been arrested or charged with a crime unless the inquiry takes place after the prospective employee has received a conditional offer of employment, which offer may be withdrawn if (i) the prospective employee's criminal arrest or charge resulted in the prospective employee's conviction of a crime and (ii) the crime of which he was convicted directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the position. The prohibition does not apply to applications for employment with law-enforcement agencies or certain positions designated as sensitive or in instances where a state agency is expressly permitted to inquire into an individual's criminal history for employment purposes pursuant to any provision of federal or state law. The bill also authorizes localities to prohibit such inquiries.
Sponsored bills
The resolution is a recommendation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission.
Provides that a community services board or a substance abuse or mental health treatment provider licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services may hire for compensated employment at an adult substance abuse or mental health treatment program a person who was convicted of burglary.
Directs the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) to establish and administer a two-year Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Scholarship Pilot Program (the Program) for the purpose of providing access to postsecondary educational opportunities to students living in poverty. The Program would provide scholarships to select comprehensive community colleges in the maximum amount of $4,000 per year to 200 selected students who meet TANF eligibility requirements. The Program would be funded by the unexpended balance in federal TANF block grant funds. The bill directs VCCS to report to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than December 1 of each year regarding the effectiveness of and other information about the Program. The bill does not become effective unless an appropriation effectuating the purposes of the bill is included in an appropriation act passed in 2018 by the General Assembly that becomes law.
Requires the Department of Taxation to reestablish an accelerated refund program for taxpayers filing income tax returns in person or via the United States mail with a commissioner of the revenue for taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2018.
The resolution is a recommendation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission.
Prohibits discrimination in public employment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, as defined in the bill. The bill also codifies for state and local government employment the current prohibitions on discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, or status as a veteran.