Arkansas has passed a constitutional amendment that establishes a medical marijuana program, which includes sections that clarify when an employer can take an adverse employment action against an employee who is a medical marijuana user. Some sections place limits on…
Posts by Category: Background Check Laws
New York City Mayor Signs Pay Equity Law – Impact on Employment Background Checks
New York City has joined Massachusetts and Philadelphia in prohibiting employers from inquiring about a prospective employee’s salary history during the hiring process. Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the new law in May, which will take effect Oct. 31 and applies to…
The City of Philadelphia Has Agreed to Stay the Enforcement of the Philadelphia Wage Equity Ordinance Pending Resolution of Court Challenge
Although the Philadelphia Wage Equity Ordinance has generated controversy, the City of Philadelphia has agreed to stay the enforcement. In April, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern…
Kansas Federal Court Grants Partial Approval to Background Check Disclosure Class Action Settlement
In January, the United States District Court for the District of Kansas granted partial preliminary approval to the class settlement in Lengel v. HomeAdvisor, Inc., No. 15-2198-KHV. The plaintiff alleged that the company violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)…
Chamber of Commerce to Sue Philly Over Wage Equity Law
In an effort to block the city’s newly signed wage equity law, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia plans to file a lawsuit, stating that the law “violates businesses’ freedom of speech.” The law, which will take effect May 23, bans employers from asking…
Burgum Signs Applicant Privacy Bill
In April, Gov. Doug Burgum signed a bill that shields applicants for public jobs in North Dakota. The new law makes any records that could identify an applicant for a job with a “public entity” confidential until at least three finalists are designated. Opponents say…
Audit Shows BPS Missed Background Checks, Paid Schools Foundation
Recent findings of a state audit revealed four serious findings within Brevard Public Schools. Superintendent Desmond Blackburn wasn’t surprised, but stated that the district is already taking proper measures to fix the problems. Among the key findings from the…
Florida Employers: Here Comes Medical Marijuana – Are You Ready?
Floridians voted to pass Amendment 2 to legalize marijuana, a change that will expand what has been a very narrow right in the state to be treated with low dose THC cannabis. Under the new amendment, a “qualified patient” is permitted to use or handle medical…
Philadelphia the Latest to Restrict Employer Inquiries into Applicants’ Salary History
Beginning May 23, it will be unlawful for employers in Philadelphia to inquire into an applicant’s wage history during the hiring process. “Wages” include “all earnings of an employee,” such as “fringe benefits, wage supplements, or other compensation whether payable…
Employment Background Checks: In a State of Flux, but Still Worth Doing
While an important tool for employers, background checks have undergone many changes, including an increase in litigation. Many jurisdictions, including municipalities, counties and/or states, have “banned the box”, which requires employers to remove the question and…







