A state Senate panel on Wednesday killed legislation that would have blocked Colorado employers from asking about criminal history on their job applications.
Republicans on the "Ban the Box" committee voted the measure down.
Supporters of the effort said that many employers simply throw away box-checked applications – without taking an applicant’s qualifications into account.
Employers could have still inquired about a job seeker’s background – but only once they're at the interview stage. Supporters say the bill would have boosted job opportunities while reducing recidivism.
But Republicans and business groups argued government shouldn’t tell employers what to do. They said businesses are entitled to have all the facts about an applicant before offering an interview.
