New York City to Place Additional Restrictions on Use of Credit Checks by Employers

New York City to Place Additional Restrictions on Use of Credit Checks by Employers

On April 16, 2015, the New York City Council, by a 47- 3 vote, passed a bill that will make it an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer, except in limited circumstances, to use an individual’s consumer credit history in making employment decisions.

According to Bill 261-A, also referred to as the “Stop Credit Discrimination in Employment Act”, employers, labor organizations, employment agencies or their agents are barred from requesting or using an applicant’s or employee’s consumer credit history for employment purposes including decisions on hiring, compensation, or the terms and conditions of employment.