New Hampshire employers would not be able to ask potential workers about past criminal convictions on their initial applications under a bill that has passed the state Senate. 

Democratic supporters of the bill said employees shouldn’t throw out a job application because of someone’s criminal past until the person has a chance to be interviewed in person or by phone. They argued it would particularly help those in recovery from opioid addiction get a second chance. 

Republican opponents said the bill would take away decision-making power from employers. 

The bill now goes to the House.