Macon-Bibb could soon become the next city in Georgia to “Ban the Box.”

The consolidated government is debating a resolution that would remove any questions about a prospective employee’s criminal background from its applications. A full commission vote is expected on Tuesday, February 17th.

Commissioner Al Tillman says there is a stigma behind criminal records that can block a job seeker from getting an interview. "Ban the box gets you to the table based on your qualifications and skill level, not that there wouldn’t be a background check, but it ensures you that you have equal access," he says.

Tillman says many other states and cities, including Atlanta, have done away with the questions on their applications and have seen an uptick in hiring former convicts with no problems.

Albany will also vote on a “Ban the Box” resolution on Tuesday. The city of Atlanta did away with the questions regarding a criminal background last year.

Tags: Leah Fleming, Al Tillman, Ban the Box, Macon-Bibb County