Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a bill prohibiting, with limited exceptions, employers’ use of or obtaining a job applicant’s or employee’s credit information for employment purposes. The prohibition does not apply to certain law enforcement and financial positions, among other situations. In the event that an aggrieved applicant or employee elects to file an administrative complaint with the Office of Human Rights, the Commission on Human Rights could impose fines of up to $5,000 for recurring violations. Employers should review their practices to help ensure they comply with the bills and other laws, and monitor congressional efforts to regulate the use of credit history information, as well as advisory guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
District of Columbia Mayor Signs Law Restricting Employers from Using Credit Information in Employment Decisions
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