Connecticut joins list of States banning the usage of credit histories as a hiring filter

[ck4829]

In recent years, employers have increasingly turned to credit history as a tool for screening job applicants and current employees. The practice has met with controversy. Worker advocates contend that the practice unfairly eliminates qualified candidates from consideration.

Connecticut has entered the debate in the side of workers with a new law restricting the consideration of credit history in making hiring and other employment decisions, subject to certain exceptions.

With Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s signing of “An Act Preventing the Use of Credit Scores by Certain Employers in Hiring Decisions,” Connecticut became the sixth state to restrict an employer’s ability to use an applicant or employee’s credit history as a basis for employment decisions.

In essence, the new law, which goes into effect on October 1, 2011, prohibits employers and their agents, representatives, or designees from requiring an employee or prospective employee to consent to a request for a credit report as a condition of employment. Consequently, the legislation severely limits Connecticut employers’ ability to use a current or prospective employee’s credit history or credit-related information in making employment decisions. The law applies to any employer who has at least one employee; it also includes the state of Connecticut, as well as its other any political subdivisions. Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, and Maryland also restrict employers’ use of credit reports.

http://ctwatchdog.com/2011/08/24/ct-employers-barred-from-using-credit-reports-in-job-decisions

Six down, forty-four to go. Let's put an end to this vicious cycle of unemployment and poverty.

[marmar]

1. Excellent.

:thumbsup:

[madinmaryland]

2. Kicked and Recommended.

Interesting to see that it is the progressive states that are doing this. In no way should credit history be used in hiring decisions, nor should the employer even know your credit history.

Glad to see that Maryland is among the six states that has also enacted this legislation!

[DBoon]

3. What are the other 5 states?

Bet Texas isn't one of them

[marmar]

4. They're in the OP

[canoeist52]

8. Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, and Maryland

[Marrah_G]

5. Good news for CT

[xchrom]

6. good. nt

[Tuesday Afternoon]

7. k&r

this shit needs to stop.

[Lint Head]

9. This is a good sign. At least something is positive.