State Rep. Beth McCann, a Democratic candidate for Denver district attorney, introduced legislation this week that would delay when prospective employers can screen job candidates with criminal records.

The legislation, called the “Ban-the-Box Bill,” would prevent employers from including a box on an application asking about criminal convictions.

Prospective employers, however, could still ask in an interview.

Businesses would be exempt if the job requires a background check or otherwise precludes someone with a criminal offense on his or her record, such as a child-care worker, casino employee or transportation driver.

“We’re just saying at least give them a chance, at least review their résumé,” McCann said. “If you have the box, the résumé goes right into the recycle bin, before someone even has a chance.”

The bill is opposed by the Colorado chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business and other business interests, as well as House Republican leader Brian DelGrosso of Loveland, who operates a handful of pizza restaurants.

“I don’t believe small businesses just arbitrarily throw out applications just because someone checked that box,” said Tony Gagliardi, NFIB’s Colorado director. “Nine times out of 10, they’re going to ask questions about why someone checked it, and nine times out of 10, it’s not going to matter.”

Gagliardi characterized the measure as an unnecessary regulation for small businesses.

“Large corporations can spend three or four weeks jumping through hoops to fill a position, but when a small business needs an employee, it needs that person immediately,” he said.

Mile High United Way and Denver Urban Ministries are among the more than 50 organizations supporting the bill, which was developed by the Colorado Center on Law and Policy.

“CCLP is concerned that people with a criminal history are unable to support themselves and their families, and are effectively sentenced to a life of poverty even though they repaid their debt to society,” former state Rep. Claire Levy, CCLP’s executive director, said in a statement. “Under this bill, a qualified applicant who made mistakes in the past is more likely to be considered for a life-changing job.”

In 2012, Levy sponsored a law that blocks most state departments from asking job applicants about their criminal history on an application or doing a background check until a person is a finalist or a job offer is made.

Although the bill could be used against her on the campaign trail, “it’s something I believe in,” said McCann, a former prosecutor.

“Our community would be safer if people who have done their time and finished their sentences could get jobs,” she said. “It’s as simple as that. I think if they can come out of prison, get jobs, and have goals and something to work for, they’re much less likely to commit crimes — therefore, our city is safer.”

Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174, jbunch@denverpost.com or @joeybunch