HB 4974

Abstract

Creates the College Admission Inquiries Act. Provides that during the admission decision-making process, a college (defined as an institution of higher education authorized to confer degrees in this State) may not inquire about arrests that did not result in a criminal conviction and criminal convictions that have been sealed or expunged or make any inquiry or consider information about any arrest or criminal accusation of an individual that was followed by a termination of that criminal action or proceeding in favor of the individual. Provides that a college may not make any inquiry or consider information about an individual's past criminal conviction or convictions at any time during the admission decision-making process. Provides that after an individual has been admitted as a student, a college may make inquiries about and consider information about the individual's past criminal conviction history for the purpose of offering support counseling, services, and work-study employment. Provides that a college may also make inquiries about and consider information about the individual's past criminal conviction history for the purpose of making decisions about participation in activities and aspects of campus life associated with the individual's status as a student. Provides that a college may not use the information to rescind an offer of admission. Provides that a college is not required to make inquiries into or consider an individual's criminal conviction history for any reason. Effective immediately.