Oregon House Majority Office, February 22, 2010
SALEM – The House today passed SB 1045, the Job Applicant Fairness Act. SB 1045 will restrict job related credit checks, making it easier for qualified job applicants to get back to work. House Democrats’ top priority during the February special session is to create jobs and help families struggling because of the recession. The Job Applicant Fairness Act is part of that effort.
SB 1045 will restrict employers' access to a job applicant's credit report with limited exceptions, giving workers a fair chance to get hired based on qualifications not credit history. The bill will preserve employers' right to check criminal records and all other job-related reference checks.
“In the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, it is absolutely unfair to discriminate against someone because they’ve had a hard time,” said Representative Val Hoyle (D-Junction City/Eugene). “This bill removes an unfair roadblock for people who need work the most.”