Bill > S2324

This bill, titled the Consumer Credit History Employment Protection Act, prohibits employers from using an applicant's credit history when making hiring decisions, which includes asking about their financial past during interviews or including credit history questions on job applications. The Department of Labor and Training is authorized to issue administrative fines of up to $10,000 for each violation, with half of the penalty going to the complainant. Aggrieved employees can also pursue civil action for up to $10,000 in damages, plus attorney's fees and court costs, within three years of the violation. However, these prohibitions do not apply to certain positions, such as those requiring federal or state law-mandated credit checks, national security clearances, signatory authority over significant assets, or regular access to trade secrets or sensitive information, provided the employer obtains written consent from the applicant before conducting a credit check for these specific roles. The bill also amends existing law to remove "employment" from the list of reasons a person can be informed that a credit report may be requested, aligning it with the new protections. This act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Labor and Employment

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