Policy & program record · Criminal Justice

California Fair Chance Act

A fair-hiring pathway for applicants with conviction histories.

What the record covers

The law generally restricts employers with five or more employees from asking about conviction history before a conditional offer. The Civil Rights Department explains assessment and notice requirements when an employer considers withdrawing an offer.

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Does the hiring process use the required timing, individualized review and opportunity to respond?

Limits & eligibility

Exceptions and individual facts matter. A directory entry is not a legal assessment of a particular hiring decision.

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Research sources

Source text supports this summary. Human editorial approval, service availability and eligibility are separate checks.

California Fair Chance Act

A fair-hiring pathway for applicants with conviction histories.

Government / primary publisher · checked Sep 6, 2026

Related evidence & source guides

Connected by issue area. These records do not prove a causal policy effect.

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Does the hiring process use the required timing, individualized review and opportunity to respond?

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