Committee advances 'ban the box' for felony history in college admissions

Representative Ranson described House Bill 3,379 as the Higher Education Workforce Development and Fair Admissions Act and said it prohibits colleges from asking about felony history prior to acceptance. She said the bill is modeled after Louisiana legislation and aims to give people with criminal records a fair shot at higher education while protecting campus safety through carve‑outs for specified felonies.

Members asked whether violent crimes are excluded and how the process would work for housing, degree pathways and licensure that may be affected by prior convictions. Ranson said excluded categories exist and that post‑acceptance questions would allow institutions to advise on program eligibility and housing while also providing counseling and supports.

After questions and assurances that safeguards are in the bill, the committee moved and voted; the chair declared the bill passed by a recorded committee vote of 6 ayes and 2 nays.