By: Associated Press//November 2, 2011//
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A bill that would allow Wisconsin schools to discriminate against convicted felons when considering whether to hire or fire them is temporarily held up in the state Assembly.
Current law allows for employers to discriminate against convicted criminals only if their offense directly relates to the job in question.
But under the bill debated Tuesday, it would be legal for any public or private school to refuse to hire or to fire any convicted felon, whether their crime relates to the job or not.
It would only apply to felons who have not been pardoned.
The Senate passed the measure on a voice vote last week. Democrats used a procedural move to block its passage Tuesday, but it will return for another vote Thursday.