This Law Firm Publication by Fisher & Phillips LLP discusses a new ordinance enacted by the City of Los Angeles prohibiting private employers with ten or more employees from asking applicants about prior criminal convictions during the employment application process. The Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring (also known as Ordinance 184652) is among the most restrictive "ban-the-box" laws in the US. Although it permits employers to seek criminal history information following a conditional offer of employment, the employer may not withdraw the employment offer or refuse to hire the applicant without first completing a written assessment that must "effectively link" the applicant's criminal history with specific risks in the job duties the applicant would be fulfilling if hired for the position. The employer must also comply with the "Fair Chance Process" specified in the EEOC Enforcement Guidance issued in 2012. The new ordinance takes effect on January 22, 2017.