This Law Firm Publication by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. discusses New Jersey's new "The Opportunity to Compete Act," also referred to as the ban the box law. The new law, which was signed by Governor Chris Christie on August 11, 2014, applies to employers that employ 15 or more individuals, restricting those employers' ability to inquire about criminal history information until after the initial application process is completed. The new law becomes effective March 1, 2015.