On Monday, December 14, 2015, at 10:00 AM, the Assembly Labor Committee is holding a hearing on a package of bills that would prohibit employers from conducting credit history checks on employees and job applicants. 

 

On its face this sounds like just another regulatory mandate, but under the surface, this legislation dramatically increases the liability risk businesses in New Jersey must face since it would encourage employees and job applicants to take non-compliant employers to court. As we have repeatedly said, increasing liability risk is bad for New Jersey’s economy.

 

A2298/S1130 would prohibit employers from obtaining, requiring, or discriminating on the basis of credit reports.

 

A2310/S524 would prohibit employers from requiring a credit check as condition of employment.

 

Both bills would encourage employees and job applicants who believe they have been wronged to sue the alleged offenders.

 

A Senate Committee Substitute of a combined S1130 and S524 passed the Senate by a vote of 22-16-2 in June.

 

If you have questions or comments about this legislation, please contact Alida Kass, NJCJI’s Chief Counsel.