Employers; employee salary history; prohibitions
If enacted, HB2128 will amend existing laws under the Arizona Revised Statutes. The new provisions would introduce civil penalties for employers who violate these regulations. An employer found to be in violation could face a civil penalty of $5,000 for a first offense, escalating to additional penalties for subsequent offenses. Moreover, the bill allows employees to claim special damages for violations, promoting accountability among employers and offering protection to prospective hires against discriminatory practices.
House Bill 2128, introduced in Arizona, focuses on employment practices specifically related to the screening of prospective employees based on their past wage or salary history. The bill prohibits employers from requiring candidates to disclose their previous wage history and prohibits any form of screening that could influence hiring decisions based on this information. This legislation is aimed at fostering equitable hiring practices by preventing wage discrimination and ensuring that candidates are evaluated solely on their abilities and qualifications rather than their past compensation.
While the bill is seen as a protective measure for job applicants, it may face contention from business organizations that argue such regulations could complicate the hiring process. Opponents may raise concerns about the potential for increased legal disputes arising from interpretations of what constitutes salary history disclosure. The tension between protecting employees and maintaining business flexibility will likely be a key point of discussion as the bill progresses through legislative reviews.