The Denton City Council meeting held on August 5, 2025, focused on the topic of fair chance hiring practices, specifically regarding the inquiry of an applicant's criminal history prior to making conditional offers of employment. Chief of Staff Christie Fogle presented the background of the discussion, noting that Council Member McGee had previously proposed a work session on this issue. The council had considered similar proposals in the past, including an ordinance and a program suggested by the local Chamber of Commerce, which aimed to promote fair chance hiring through educational resources and incentives for businesses.

Fogle reported that the Chamber had experienced delays in implementing their program and currently had no plans to move forward. She explained that fair chance hiring allows employers to delay inquiries about criminal history until later in the hiring process, a practice already adopted by the City of Denton. The council was presented with three options: to move forward with an ordinance, to formalize an internal policy for the city, or to not pursue the proposal.

Council Member McGee expressed strong support for option two, advocating for the formalization of the city’s existing fair chance hiring practices. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for individuals with criminal records, citing the significant number of people affected and the potential benefits to community safety through increased employment.

Other council members echoed support for option two, highlighting the need for the city to lead by example and educate businesses on the advantages of fair chance hiring. However, some members expressed concerns about government interference in private business decisions, advocating for the autonomy of employers to make hiring choices.

The discussion also included suggestions for a voluntary program where businesses could opt-in to be recognized as fair chance employers, potentially creating a list of such businesses to assist job seekers. The council ultimately leaned towards a collaborative approach, focusing on providing resources and information to support fair chance hiring without imposing mandatory regulations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records while balancing the interests of local businesses. The council plans to further explore the proposed internal policy and the potential for a voluntary recognition program in future sessions.