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Regular Session, 2010 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 120
BY SENATOR BROOME
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request that the Louisiana Workforce Commission regulate the use of consumer
credit reports as criteria for employment.
WHEREAS, the Federal Bankruptcy Act prohibits discrimination against a consumer
who seeks bankruptcy protection; however, no protection exists for the consumer who does
not seek bankruptcy but chooses to work through difficult financial, credit, and housing
issues; and
WHEREAS, in the current economic conditions with unemployment rates remaining
near ten percent, a large percentage of the unemployed have been so for numerous weeks
and are experiencing hardships in meeting their credit and housing obligations; and
WHEREAS, for thousands of Louisianians, the loss of employment leaves them
without the opportunity to establish or maintain creditworthiness or a positive financial
reputation; and
WHEREAS, exacerbating the economic conditions being experienced throughout the
country, including Louisiana, the oil spill catastrophe off Louisiana's coast is likely to
economically cripple the entire coastal region, initially affecting all those associated with oil
and gas exploration; fishing, both commercial and sport; tourism; and hospitality services,
before affecting the entirety of the region's economy; and
WHEREAS, as the economic health of Louisiana's coastal region effects the
economy of the state as a whole, consequently, it becomes incumbent upon the leaders of
the state to facilitate the reemployment of all of those laid off and finding themselves
suffering the financial difficulties stemming from a loss of employment; and
WHEREAS, the deepening economic crisis brings into sharp focus the issue of
judging a person's suitability for employment based, even partially, upon their consumer
credit reports or creditworthiness; and SR NO. 120 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, it should be clear that to use a person's credit rating, credit score, credit
capacity, credit history, or other similar information for employment other than that in the
financial industry or in law enforcement should be considered a discriminatory practice and
deemed such by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby urge and request that the Louisiana Workforce Commission act swiftly to curtail
the use of consumer credit reports as criteria for employment, in most employment
opportunities in Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE