Ohio House Bill HB398

Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24

Caption

Prohibit employers from seeking wage or salary history

Impact

If enacted, HB398 would significantly influence hiring practices across Ohio. Employers would be barred from considering wage history, which advocates argue will promote equitable pay by forcing employers to set salaries based on the job's requirements and the applicant's qualifications. This could potentially lead to a wider acceptance of equitable pay structures within the state, creating a fairer job market for prospective employees.

Summary

House Bill 398 seeks to prohibit employers from inquiring about a prospective employee's wage or salary history during the hiring process. This legislative measure is designed to combat wage discrimination by preventing employers from basing hiring decisions on a candidate’s past pay. The bill defines 'employer' broadly, encompassing any organization with fifteen or more employees, including government entities and political subdivisions.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HB398 may involve the balance between employer rights and employee protections. Critics might argue that limiting an employer's ability to inquire about previous wages could hinder their ability to make informed hiring decisions, while proponents assert that access to wage history perpetuates discrimination against women and minorities. The debate will likely highlight the tension between traditional hiring practices and modern equity-focused policies.