Lawmakers Limit Job Applicant Credit Checks

By Chris Lehman | Feb. 22, 2010 2:34 p.m. | Updated: June 16, 2010 11:56 p.m. | Salem, OR

Oregon lawmakers gave final approval Monday to a bill that would prevent most employers from checking the credit histories of job applicants. Supporters of the measure say there's no evidence that a credit check can reveal meaningful information about a person's ability to do most jobs. They say the measure would make it easier for someone in a tough situation to get back on their feet. But opponents such as Republican Representative Sal Esquivel called the bill an unfair intrusion into business:Sal Esquivel: “We're just putting another nail into the coffin of business in this state. How many times do we have to kick them in the face before they leave?”The measure creates exceptions for some employers to check the credit history of job-seekers. Those include banks and law enforcement agencies. It passed on a mostly party-line vote and now heads to the Governor's desk.On the Web: Oregon Senate Bill 1045

© 2010 Northwest News Network

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