Last week, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed a legal action challenging the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) “enforcement guidance” that limits the use of criminal records during the hiring process.
Texas is a big state, with a big reputation, so it’s fitting that this case is a big deal. The suit hits hard, claiming that EEOC guidelines unlawfully limit the ability of employers – including the State of Texas and its agencies – from excluding convicted felons from employment.
The suit is the first direct challenge to the EEOC’s controversial criminal background enforcement guidance, which went into effect in April 2012. For those who follow EmployeeScreenIQ’s blog, the EEOC guidance on criminal background checks has been a frequent topic. (more…)