This Law Firm Publication by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. discusses the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act, recently signed into law by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Under this law, private employers with 15 or more employees may not inquire about or consider an applicant’s criminal background until the employer notifies the applicant about an interview or makes a conditional employment offer. Limited exceptions to the new rules apply to applicants licensed under the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act, employers subject to state or federal laws that require excluding applicants with certain criminal convictions and employers that require a standard fidelity bond. This law becomes effective January 1, 2015.