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Bill

HD 2674

An Act regulating the use of credit reports by employers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Gordon

Massachusetts bill restricts employers from using credit reports in hiring and promotion decisions except for positions with financial or security responsibilities.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2674

Legislative bill overview

HD 2674 restricts Massachusetts employers from using credit reports in hiring, promotion, and employment decisions with limited exceptions for positions involving financial responsibilities or security access. The bill aims to prevent discrimination against job applicants and employees based on credit history, which often correlates with socioeconomic status and can perpetuate economic inequality.

Why is this important

Credit reports frequently contain errors and can disproportionately affect lower-income workers, minorities, and people recovering from medical debt or economic hardship, potentially blocking them from employment opportunities. Many states and municipalities have adopted similar restrictions, reflecting growing concern that credit checks are poor predictors of job performance while creating barriers to economic mobility.

Potential points of contention

  • Business impact: Employers argue credit checks help assess reliability and trustworthiness, particularly for positions handling money or sensitive information; restrictions may limit their risk management tools
  • Scope of exceptions: Defining which jobs legitimately require credit checks (financial roles, security positions) is contentious—definitions may be too broad or narrow depending on perspective
  • Enforcement and compliance: Questions about how violations are enforced, who monitors compliance, and what penalties apply to employers who violate the restriction

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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