Macon-Bibb Commissioners pass “Ban the Box” resolution

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb’s County Attorney can start working on an ordinance removing the criminal history question from county job applications. 

At Tuesday night’s commission meeting, board members voted to pass the “Ban the Box” resolution.  Commissioner Al Tillman proposed it.  It doesn’t allow county job applications to ask about person’s criminal background.

“The men and women of this community just need to realize that they have an opportunity to have a second chance at life and work and they need to take advantage of their first chance,” explained Commissioner Tillman.

Three commissioners voted against the resolution.  Commissioner Mallory Jones believes people deserve second chances, but feels an employer has the right to know who he or she is hiring. 

“I think employers need to ask that and they also need to take into consideration whether someone has lived an upstanding life since they made a mistake years ago,” said Commissioner Jones. 

Once the county attorney drafts an ordinance to remove the criminal history question from applications, commissioners will take a vote on whether to pass it.