If you are seeking employment at a government agency in Albany County, you are covered by the Albany County Fair Chance Act. This is a “Ban the Box” law and only applies to the public sector.
This law prohibits employers from asking about your criminal history during the application process (e.g., questions on a written application or during an interview). All job announcements and position descriptions will clearly state if the position requires a background check after a conditional offer of employment has been made.
After a conditional offer of employment, an employer can conduct a background check if they have made a good-faith determination that the job requires it. They must also provide you with a “clear explanation and instructions for appeal” if they decide not to move forward with your candidacy after running a background check.