Waterloo Ban the Box Ordinance
Effective July 1, 2020, Waterloo's ban-the-box ordinance (Unfair Use of Criminal Record in Hiring Decisions) restricts when private employers can ask job applicants about their criminal history. This ordinance makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for any employer - excluding schools and certain public employers - from including a criminal record inquiry on a job application.
In addition, employers with 15 or more employees may not ask job applicants about their criminal backgrounds before extending a conditional employment offer. However, if an applicant voluntarily discloses any information regarding his or her criminal record during a job interview, the employer may discuss the record that the applicant has disclosed. The ordinance also clarifies that employers must still comply with any obligations arising under federal or Iowa law relating to the following factors: