If you are seeking employment in Connecticut, you are covered by its Fair Chance Employment Law, which is a “Ban the Box” law. The law applies to both private and public employers.
Under this law, an employer cannot ask about your prior arrests, criminal charges, or convictions on an initial employment application. The exceptions to this rule are if 1) the employer is required to do so by an applicable state or federal law, or 2) a security or fidelity bond or an equivalent bond is required for the position. An employer cannot ask about an erased record at any time.
In addition, this law bars employers from discriminating against you because of your criminal history. An employer cannot refuse to hire you or fire you solely because you have prior arrests or convictions.
There are a few cities within Connecticut that have their own “Ban the Box” Laws.
Bridgeport:
If you are seeking employment at a government agency in the City of Bridgeport, you are covered by its Ban the Box law. The law only applies to public sector jobs in the City of Bridgeport.
Under this law, an employer cannot be questioned about your criminal record until you have been determined to have met the minimum requirements for the position. The disclosure of your criminal history must be made on a separate form from the initial job application.
When considering your record, the personnel director will take into account individualized factors, such as the nature of the position, job-relatedness, and the age of the offense. If you are disqualified because of your record, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Civil Service Commission.