On April 21, 2025, the Spokane City Council passed a new ordinance that could signal a shift in how job applications are handled across the country. Known as “Ban the Address,” this law prohibits certain employers from asking for a job applicant’s home address during the early stages of hiring.
Why the change? City leaders want to reduce bias that may stem from an applicant’s neighborhood or perceived socioeconomic status. In short, where someone lives shouldn’t influence their chances of getting a job interview.
While this is currently a local law specific to Spokane, WA, it’s the type of policy that could gain traction in other cities — especially as employers continue to re-evaluate hiring practices through the lens of equity and inclusion.
What This Means for Affected Employers
If you're a private employer in Spokane with 15 or more employees, this ordinance applies directly to your hiring process. Under the new rule, you may no longer request or require an applicant’s home address during the early stages of recruitment. This includes job applications and initial screenings.
The purpose behind the ordinance is to reduce potential bias in hiring decisions that may arise based on where a candidate lives. In many cities, certain neighborhoods carry socioeconomic or racial stereotypes, and this law is designed to help ensure applicants are evaluated on their qualifications — not their ZIP code.
It’s important to note that this restriction applies only to the beginning of the hiring process. Once a candidate advances beyond the initial screening or accepts a job offer, you are permitted to collect their address as part of the standard onboarding paperwork.
There are also a few exceptions built into the ordinance. Government agencies are not subject to the rule, nor are employers hiring for positions that require a security clearance. Additionally, if an address is a legitimate requirement for the role — such as residency within a certain district — the restriction does not apply.
Be Aware of Penalties and Enforcement
Violations of the ordinance can be reported to Spokane’s Human Rights Commission which will investigate complaints. Employers found to be in violation may face penalties and be required to take corrective action such as revising their application forms and hiring procedures.
If your business operates in Spokane, now is a good time to review your job application materials, remove any home address fields and ensure your hiring team is aware of the new rules.
Spokane’s ordinance is a reminder that local employment laws are evolving fast. Keep an eye on this trend and be ready to adapt if it eventually impacts your area.
A Sign of Things to Come?
Spokane’s “Ban the Address” ordinance is part of a broader trend we’ve seen over the past few years — local governments stepping in to set their own employment rules. From “Ban the Box” laws (which restrict criminal history questions) to local minimum wage hikes, city-specific laws are becoming more common.
For multi-location employers, that means more complexity when hiring across different areas. What’s legal in one city may not be in another, and it’s easy to miss new regulations if you’re not actively monitoring them.
Stay Informed with the Employment Law Alert Service
If keeping up with changing labor laws feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. The Employment Law Alert Service is designed to help employers stay informed and compliant.
Subscribers receive timely alerts and clear summaries whenever a new employment law is introduced or updated at the federal, state or local level — including developments like Spokane’s Ban the Address ordinance.
With reliable updates delivered to your inbox, you can focus on running your business while staying confident in your hiring compliance.