Deschutes parole official questions ‘Ban the Box’ impact

A new bill passed by the Oregon House aims to help those with a criminal history land a job more easily.

The Oregon House has approved a bill that limits how employers can ask job applicants about their criminal records.

It forbids putting the question on application forms.

The bill is known as “Ban the Box,” and it still allows employers to ask questions about criminal records during interviews, when the applicant can offer an explanation.

Portland Democrat Rep. Rob Nosse says the measure will help people with criminal records earn a living and rebuild their lives.

Deschutes County Parole Supervisor Dave Guerrero said Thursday that regardless of whether the question is on the application form or not, the truth will come out.

“From my point of view, I’m not really sure it matters,” he said .”I think we’re asking our clientele to be honest with their information. That information is usually coming out at some point.”

Guerrero says those with criminal records that are trying to make a positive step forward need to be up front.

“Honesty seems to be the key to it,” he said. “I’m starting to believe that the people here are very forgiving. And they understand these clients are part of the community.”

Guerrero added this can help an employer as well: “It helps them in the long run. It helps them to understand where the person is coming from — what issues they’ve had in the past, and really how to help them internally.”

But opponents argued the measure could expose employers to lawsuits.

Republican House leader Mike McLane is critical, saying it makes the act of asking about a person’s past unlawful.

The bill passed Wednesday on a 33-27 vote and goes to the Senate.