In “New 2026 minimum wage, laws take effect” (Jan. 1, Northwest), The Seattle Times described several newly effective state laws. House Bill 1747 should be added to the list. This expands the 2018 Fair Chance Act that stops employers from asking about a criminal history on job applications.

Under the new law, employers may do a background check on an applicant only after giving the applicant a conditional job offer. If the background check shows a conviction history, the employer must have a legitimate business reason to deny the individual the job. A conviction in itself is insufficient.

The law seeks to give applicants a more individualized, accurate review of their qualifications and employers a better set of assessment tools. Among the factors employers need to consider are the crime’s relevance to the job; the seriousness of the crime and number of crimes; the time passed since the conviction; and the applicant’s subsequent good conduct, work experience and training. Employers may not consider a non-pending arrest or a juvenile record.

Over 2 million people with conviction histories live in Washington state. They need good jobs and employers need qualified workers. This law will help both.

Amy J. Stephson, Seattle