Summary of Bill S 2271

Bill Overview

Bill Number: S 2271

Title: Prohibits an employer, licensing agency or employment agency from requesting or requiring that a prospective employee disclose certain personal information

Status: Referred to Governmental Operations

Introduced: January 16, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 2271 is to protect the privacy of prospective employees by prohibiting employers, licensing agencies, and employment agencies from requesting or requiring the disclosure of specific personal information during the hiring process. This legislation aims to create a fairer and more equitable job market by ensuring that candidates are not subjected to invasive inquiries that do not pertain to their qualifications or ability to perform the job.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition on Disclosure: The bill explicitly prohibits employers and related agencies from asking prospective employees to disclose certain personal information. While the bill does not specify the exact nature of this information in the summary provided, it typically includes sensitive data such as:
  • Social media passwords
  • Medical history
  • Criminal history (in certain contexts)
  • Financial information
• Scope of Application: The prohibition applies to all employers, licensing agencies, and employment agencies, ensuring broad coverage across various sectors.

Impact

• Affected Parties:
  • Prospective Employees: Individuals seeking employment will benefit from enhanced privacy protections, reducing the risk of discrimination or bias based on personal information that is irrelevant to job performance.
  • Employers and Agencies: Employers and agencies will need to revise their hiring practices to comply with the new regulations, potentially leading to changes in application forms and interview processes.

Legislative Timeline

• January 16, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Investigations and Government Operations.
• February 3, 2025: First report calendar.
• February 4, 2025: Second report calendar.
• February 5, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
• June 9, 2025: Bill passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
• June 9, 2025: Referred to Governmental Operations in the Assembly.

Related Bills

• S 7303: Prior-session bill addressing similar issues.
• S 1480: Prior-session bill with related provisions.
• S 2449: Another prior-session bill relevant to employment practices.
• A 1037: Companion bill in the Assembly.

Conclusion

Bill S 2271 represents a significant step towards safeguarding the personal privacy of job seekers. By limiting the types of information that can be requested during the hiring process, the bill aims to foster a more equitable employment landscape. As it progresses through the legislative process, its implications for both employers and prospective employees will continue to be closely monitored.