# EEOC Submits Criminal-Records Rule for Review

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has submitted a final rule to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) that would rescind guidance on employers’ use of criminal records in hiring. The rule remains under review and is not yet final, so federal contractors should not treat the guidance as rescinded. The potential change is relevant to contractor hiring and background-screening practices, including how those practices are assessed under Title VII.

- Contractors can assess their current background-screening policies and identify how a change to the EEOC guidance could affect hiring procedures and Title VII compliance.
- Because OIRA review is ongoing, organizations should follow the review’s outcome before changing practices in reliance on the proposed rescission.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Policy
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)