SLS 10RS-4605 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2010
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 120
BY SENATOR BROOME
CONSUMERS/PROTECTI ON. Requests regulation of use of consumer credit reports being
used for employment.
A RESOLUTION1
To urge and request that the Louisiana Workforce Commission regulate the use of consumer2
credit reports as criteria for employment.3
WHEREAS, the Federal Bankruptcy Act prohibits discrimination against a consumer4
who seeks bankruptcy protection; however, no protection exists for the consumer who does5
not seek bankruptcy but chooses to work through difficult financial, credit, and housing6
issues; and7
WHEREAS, in the current economic conditions with unemployment rates remaining8
near ten percent, a large percentage of the unemployed have been so for numerous weeks9
and are experiencing hardships in meeting their credit and housing obligations; and10
WHEREAS, for thousands of Louisianians, the loss of employment leaves them11
without the opportunity to establish or maintain creditworthiness or a positive financial12
reputation; and13
WHEREAS, exacerbating the economic conditions being experienced throughout the14
country, including Louisiana, the oil spill catastrophe off Louisiana's coast is likely to15
economically cripple the entire coastal region, initially affecting all those associated with oil16
and gas exploration; fishing, both commercial and sport; tourism; and hospitality services,17
before affecting the entirety of the region's economy; and18 SR NO. 120
SLS 10RS-4605 ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, as the economic health of Louisiana's coastal region effects the1
economy of the state as a whole, consequently, it becomes incumbent upon the leaders of2
the state to facilitate the reemployment of all of those laid off and finding themselves3
suffering the financial difficulties stemming from a loss of employment; and4
WHEREAS, the deepening economic crisis brings into sharp focus the issue of5
judging a person's suitability for employment based, even partially, upon their consumer6
credit reports or creditworthiness; and7
WHEREAS, it should be clear that to use a person's credit rating, credit score, credit8
capacity, credit history, or other similar information for employment other than that in the9
financial industry or in law enforcement should be considered a discriminatory practice and10
deemed such by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.11
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana12
does hereby urge and request that the Louisiana Workforce Commission act swiftly to curtail13
the use of consumer credit reports as criteria for employment, in most employment14
opportunities in Louisiana.15
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the16
executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.17
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Mary Dozier O'Brien.
DIGEST
Broome SR No. 120
Requests that the Louisiana Workforce Commission regulate the use of consumer credit
reports as criteria for employment.