Officials in Waterloo have approved a measure banning the city and many businesses from asking about applicants’ criminal records in the early stages of the hiring process, reports the Associated Press. The City Council approved a so-called “ban-the-box” ordinance barring employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history until after making a conditional offer. The measure is intended to ensure that people with criminal convictions get a fair chance of getting jobs. Waterloo is the first city in Iowa to approve such an ordinance.