D.C. Code § 1-620.42: Pre-employment inquiries.

(a)

Before posting a vacancy announcement, a public employer shall determine if the position is a covered position.

(b)

If a position is a covered position, a public employer may inquire about an applicant’s criminal history at any time; provided, that the vacancy announcement includes the following statement: “This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.”

(c)

If a position is not a covered position, a public employer shall not inquire about an applicant’s criminal history on the application form. A public employer may inquire about an applicant’s criminal history after the initial screening of applications. If a public employer inquires about an applicant’s criminal history, the applicant shall be permitted to provide an explanation of his criminal history to the public employer.