Connecticut House Bill HB05284

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/11
• Refer: 1/14/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Discriminatory Employment Practices And The Use Of Credit Reports In Employment Decisions.

Impact

The introduction of HB 5284 is expected to have significant implications on employment law within the state. By banning the use of credit history as a discriminatory factor, the bill aligns with growing national trends aimed at protecting job seekers from potential biases stemming from their financial backgrounds. This change would particularly benefit individuals who may have faced economic hardships but possess the necessary skills and competencies for the job. Employers would need to revise their hiring practices to ensure compliance with the new regulations, thereby fostering a more diverse workforce.

Summary

House Bill 5284 addresses discriminatory employment practices by prohibiting discrimination based on an employee's or prospective employee's credit history. This bill seeks to amend section 46a-60 of the general statutes, adding credit history as a factor that cannot be used to discriminate against individuals in hiring, promotion, or other employment decisions. The purpose is to create a more equitable job market where candidates are not unfairly judged by their credit history, which may not accurately reflect their qualifications or abilities as employees.

Contention

While HB 5284 has garnered support from various advocacy groups focused on fair employment practices, some concerns have been raised about the impact on employers' ability to make informed hiring decisions. Critics argue that credit history can sometimes provide valuable insights into a candidate's responsibility and reliability. Consequently, there's a debate on whether the benefits of the bill in promoting fairness in hiring outweigh the potential drawbacks for employers who wish to assess candidates comprehensively.