As this guide discusses, 37 states and over 150 cities and counties nationwide have adopted what is widely known as “ban the box” so that employers consider a job candidate’s qualifications first—without the stigma of a conviction or arrest record. Borne out of the work of All of Us or None, these policies provide applicants a fair chance at employment by removing conviction and arrest history questions from job applications and delaying background checks until later in the hiring process.

This resource guide documents federal efforts as well as the numerous states and localities that have taken steps to remove barriers to employment for qualified workers with records. The guide also includes a chart summarizing all state and local policies across the nation.