Virginia § 15.2-1505.3 - Localities prohibited from inquiring about arrests, charges, or convictions on employment applications; exceptions
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 15.2-1505.3 — Localities prohibited from inquiring about arrests, charges, or convictions on employment applications; exceptions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15.2-1505.3. Localities prohibited from inquiring about arrests, charges, or convictions on employment applications; exceptions
A. As used in this section, "conviction" means any adjudication that an individual committed a crime, any finding of guilt after a criminal trial by a court of competent jurisdiction, or any plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a criminal charge.
B. No locality shall request a prospective employee to complete an application for employment that includes a question inquiring whether the prospective employee has ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any crime. This prohibition shall not apply to (i) law-enforcement agency positions or positions related to law-enforcement agencies, (ii) positions for employment by the local school board, (iii) sensitive positions, or (iv) any employment-related applications or questionnaires provided during or after a staff interview. For purposes of this subsection, "sensitive positions" shall include those positions:
1. Responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of citizens or the protection of critical infrastructure;
2. That have access to sensitive information, including access to federal tax information in approved exchange agreements with the Internal Revenue Service or Social Security Administration; and
3. That are otherwise required by state or federal law to be designated as sensitive.
C. No locality shall inquire whether a prospective employee has ever been arrested for, or charged with, or convicted of any crime unless the inquiry takes place during or after a staff interview of the prospective employee.
D. Nothing in this section shall prevent a locality from considering information received during or after a staff interview pertaining to a prospective employee having been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any crime.
2020, c. 422.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 15.2-1505.3
What does Code of Virginia § 15.2-1505.3 cover?
Section 15.2-1505.3 ("Localities prohibited from inquiring about arrests, charges, or convictions on employment applications; exceptions") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 15.2-1505.3?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 15.2-1505.3" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 15.2-1505.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.