A bill that would prevent California employers from using consumer credit reports to screen and evaluate potential employees has passed a key state Senate committee.
Assembly Bill 22 would ban the use of credit reports in hiring decisions unless the position is a management one and that the information in the credit reports is substantially job related.
It passed the Senate Appropriations Committee with six Democrats supporting it and two Republicans voting against.
Opponents have claimed the reports provide solid background information on a job candidate, while existing law already provides safeguards against abuse by requiring employers to notify existing and potential employees that they're seeking credit report information and requiring them to provide a copy of the report.
Supporters have said it's an unnecessary intrusion.
The bill will next be considered by the full Senate.