Bill Seeks to Prohibit Credit History Discrimination

On March 5, 2009, a bill (A3804) was introduced that would amend the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination to bar discrimination in employment based on an individual’s “credit history or financial status.” The bill also would make it unlawful for any employer or employment agency, unless required by law to do so, to make an inquiry regarding the credit history or financial status of any applicant for employment. Currently, New Jersey employers are permitted to obtain and utilize credit history checks for employment purposes (i.e., evaluating an individual for employment, promotion, reassignment or retention as an employee) so long as the employer complies with the New Jersey Fair Credit Reporting Act and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Note: This article was published in the April 2009 issue of the New Jersey eAuthority.