Requests regulation of use of consumer credit reports being used for employment.
Impact
If implemented, SR120 could reshape employment practices across Louisiana by providing a framework that limits the reliance on credit reports as a basis for hiring decisions outside of specific industries like finance and law enforcement. This could lead to increased opportunities for job seekers who may otherwise be overlooked due to poor credit ratings, which are often a product of unfortunate economic circumstances rather than a reflection of their professional capabilities. The resolution promotes a more equitable job market by advocating for the recognition of these disparities.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 120 urges the Louisiana Workforce Commission to regulate the use of consumer credit reports as criteria for employment. The resolution highlights concerns regarding the fairness of using an individual's credit history, especially in the context of high unemployment rates and economic challenges faced by many Louisiana residents. It emphasizes that factors such as unemployment and financial hardship can significantly impact an individual's creditworthiness, thus making such criteria for employment potentially discriminatory.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR120 appears to be largely supportive of protecting vulnerable job seekers from discriminatory practices related to employment. Proponents of this resolution see it as a necessary step to combat systemic issues that perpetuate economic difficulties for many individuals. There is an acknowledgment of the broader economic implications as well, particularly in light of the additional strain caused by external events like the oil spill affecting Louisiana's economy.
Contention
While the resolution is a push towards enhancing consumer protection in employment practices, there may be concerns from employers about regulating hiring criteria. Critics might argue that credit history can be an important indicator of responsibility and trustworthiness, especially in sectors where financial management is pivotal. As such, there could be a debate on the balance between safeguarding individual rights and businesses’ needs for information that could inform hiring practices.
Requests the U. S. President to issue an emergency declaration to use any and all U.S. resources, including military forces and martial law, to stop the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and to ban the use of certain chemical dispersants in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response operation.
Requests that the Louisiana Credit Union League work on viable loan and product alternatives for consumers who do not qualify for traditional bank loans and services.
Requests the state and federal governments to encourage all entities involved in the environmental cleanup effort to utilize Louisiana's citizens and their ideas to rehabilitate the Gulf of Mexico.
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission study its processes used to determine if an unemployed worker is conducting an active search for reemployment along with available measures to ensure enforcement.
Requests the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to rely on state regulators when developing guidelines for regulating carbon dioxide emissions from fossil-fueled power plants.