A bill sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill and Senator Shirley K. Turner that would end employment discrimination based on an individual’s credit history or financial status was approved by the full Senate. The bill (a substitute for S-524 and S-1130) would prohibit an employer from making any inquiries into the credit history or financial status of a current employee or applicant for employment, unless a good credit history or financial status is an established bona fide occupational requirement for a particular position, as laid out in the bill. Any employer found in violation of the provisions of this bill could face civil penalties of up to $2,000 for the first violation, and $5,000 for each subsequent violation. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 22-16. It next heads to the Assembly for consideration.

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