Minn. ex-offenders to push for job application changes

Thousands of ex-offenders plan to demonstrate in support of so-called "ban the box" legislation at the State Capitol on Tuesday.

The proposed law would bar private employers from including a box on applications asking about prior criminal convictions. Ex-offender advocates say the practice allows employers to discriminate against those with records.

Attorney Ben Gerber of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce said business owners oppose the proposed law.

"Their main concern is providing a safe working environment for their employees," Gerber said. "And there's already EEOC regulations — you can't not hire somebody just because they've had a criminal record. So there's already federal legislation on the matter."

Gerber said a "ban the box" law would be burdensome and costly for businesses. He said those costs may be passed on to consumers.