New (IL) state law bans employer credit checks in hiring

[sabra]

Source: Chicago Trib

Illinois employers will no longer be able to run credit checks on those applying for jobs under a measure Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law today.

Supporters say the move is aimed at preventing employers from turning away job seekers due to poor credit amid an economic crisis that has left many unemployed and struggling to pay the bills.

"If you lose your job and your credit is damaged as a result, and employers use your credit to prevent you from getting a job, this is a vicious cycle folks will never get out," said Sen. Don Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat who sponsored the legislation.

Under the new law that takes effect Jan. 1, employers cannot use credit history to determine whether to hire, fire or promote someone. If an employer is caught accessing such information, they can face legal action.

However, some industries and positions are exempt, such as those dealing with banking, insurance, trade secrets or state and national security.

Read more: http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2010/08/new-state-law-bans-employer-credit-checks-in-hiring.html

[47of74]

1. Good.

We need that through out the country, especially in right to exploit states.

[greiner3]

2. Now how about;

Car insurance and any other instances of credit bureau checks. While we are at it, why not prohibit any person or organization from accessing one's credit history without the express authorization of the person involves?

[ET Awful]

3. Good. Next let's outlaw using credit ratings for insurance companies as well.

This is a great first step. Every other state should follow suit ASAP.

[appleannie1]

4. Good for that state. How do they expect someone out of work to maintain their credit?

[Imajika]

5. Excellent!

This is great. The President should call for a law to do this on a national level too.

This is exactly the kind of stuff we need to be doing. It will make a real difference for a lot of people that get screwed by these reporting agencies, or get laid off and miss a couple credit card payments and then can't get a job, etc.

[slampoet]

6. MY VOTE FOR BEST NEWS OF THE DAY!

[mike r]

7. There should be a federal law against this crap