Fair Chance Act

Washington State Equal Opportunity Employment

What is the Fair Chance Act?

Washington's Fair Chance Act (RCW 9.96.110) requires fair treatment in employment for people with criminal histories. DIBS is committed to complying fully with this law.

This means: we don't ask about criminal history upfront, we evaluate records individually if required, and we give you the chance to explain your circumstances.

Our Principles

Ban the Box

We do NOT ask about criminal history upfront. Background checks are only run for safety-sensitive roles after conditional offer.

Individualized Assessment

If a background check is needed, we evaluate it individually—nature of conviction, time passed, job relevance, rehabilitation evidence.

Transparency

You have the right to know what triggered any adverse decision and have 5 days to respond with evidence of rehabilitation.

No Blanket Bans

We don't automatically disqualify based on conviction type. Felonies are evaluated case-by-case with legal consideration.

Your Rights Under the Fair Chance Act

Right to apply without criminal history questions on initial application

Right to individualized assessment if background check is required

Right to know what information triggered an adverse decision

Right to respond with evidence within 5 business days

Right to appeal adverse decisions with documented rehabilitation evidence

Protection against discrimination based on type of conviction alone

No automatic disqualification for any criminal record type

DIBS Hiring Process

Application

No questions about criminal history

Initial Review

Skills and qualifications evaluated

Conditional Offer (if needed)

Background check only for specific roles

Individualized Assessment

We review nature, time passed, and relevance

Notice & Right to Respond

5 business days to provide your side of story

Final Decision

Full consideration of all factors

If We Issue an Adverse Decision

You will receive:

A written notice describing the reason for the decision
A copy of the background check report
5 business days to respond with evidence
Right to appeal with documented rehabilitation evidence

Email support@dibs.com with subject line: "Fair Chance Act Appeal"

I Acknowledge

I have read and understand the Fair Chance Act principles, my rights, and DIBS's commitment to fair evaluation of my application. I understand that no criminal history question will be asked upfront, and if a background check is required, I will receive notice and have the right to respond.

Questions about your rights?

Read the Full Law (PDF) →