City of Grand Rapids, MI Limits Criminal Records
Special Announcement to all Grand Rapids, MI employers:
The City of Grand Rapids, MI passed an ordinance (2019-43) amending Title IX of the Code of The City Of Grand Rapids by adding Chapter 175, Articles 1-5, sections 9.935-9.953, entitled “Human Rights”. This ordinance prohibits employers from using non-conviction information and requires individualized assessments when using criminal records.
The law makes the following an unlawful practice:
Sec 93939 (3)(b)
Conviction Record. History of criminal conviction may be considered in employment decisions, although arrest with no conviction may not be considered. An outright ban on prospective employees with a criminal background is prohibited. Employers must carefully consider, on a case-by-case basis, the nature and severity of the crime, the age of the individual at the time of the crime, whether there have been repeat offenses, whether the individual maintained a good employment history before or after the conviction, evidence of rehabilitation efforts, and whether the crime for which the individual was convicted may pose a demonstrable risk to the health, safety or welfare of other employees or persons or to property
This law will require a review of the hiring process in place, including any documentation or forms that all applicants must complete, and may require changes to that process.
Justifacts recommends that you consult with your legal department to determine what changes, if any, need to be made to your hiring process in order to comply with this law.
The complete text of the legislation can be found here: (2019-43)
It is important to note that Justifacts is providing this information as a service to our clients. None of the information contained herein should be construed as legal advice, nor is Justifacts engaged to provide legal advice. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult your attorney or legal department if you want assurance that our information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate to your particular situation.