Change in Background Check Policy for Applicants with Criminal Convictions

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says four of the nation's largest agencies providing background checks have agreed not to automatically disqualify applicants with criminal convictions. Instead, they will defer hiring decisions to employers to individually consider candidates.

Schneiderman says that comports with New York state laws that prohibit automatic disqualification based on criminal history. The announced agreements are with HireRight, First Advantage, General Information Services and Sterling Infosystems.

Employers are required by state law to consider the nature and gravity of an applicant's criminal conviction, how long ago it happened, and its bearing if any on a job's responsibilities.