Washington state guideCity compliance · Spokane, WA

Spokane Spokane Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance (SMC 09.05)

Bars conviction-history inquiry until after a candidate is determined to be otherwise qualified and prohibits use of arrest records altogether.

Effective: June 14, 2018

Covered employers

All private employers with any employee working in Spokane.

Timing of inquiry

No conviction-history inquiry before the candidate is determined to be otherwise qualified; arrest records not leading to conviction may never be the basis for a decision.

Individualized assessment

Required analysis tying the conviction to job duties.

Adverse-action workflow

Standard FCRA pre-adverse and adverse process, with documentation of the individualized assessment.

Notice & posting

Postings may not announce blanket exclusions on the basis of arrest or conviction.

Enforcement & penalties

Spokane Office of Civil Rights, Equity and Inclusion. Civil penalty up to $261 per violation, escalating with repeat conduct.

Citations

  • Spokane Mun. Code Ch. 09.05