In February, Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin signed an executive order to “ban the box.”  The practical effect of this order means that job applications for state government positions will not include a section asking the applicant whether he or she has ever been convicted of a crime.   This measure will give individuals with criminal records an opportunity to apply for jobs within the executive branch without disclosing their conviction history – theoretically giving them a better chance of landing the job.

Governor Bevin encouraged the private sector to adopt similar measures:  “I want to specifically challenge each and every private employer in this state to think about doing the exact same thing.”  Widespread adoption would give a “second chance” to individuals with a criminal record, allowing them to seek meaningful employment in jobs that pay more than minimum wage.