On April 16, 2015, by a vote of 47-3, the New York City Council passed legislation (NYC Int. 0261-A-2014) to amend the NYC Human Rights Law to make it an unlawful discriminatory practice for employers to request or consider the credit history of a prospective or current employee when making employment decisions. Mayor de Blasio is expected to sign the bill into law. The law would go into effect 120 days after it is signed.

The bill defines "credit history" broadly and includes a consumer credit report or credit score, in addition to information directly obtained from the employee or applicant regarding his or her: (1) number of credit accounts, late or missed payments, charge-off debts, items in collections, credit limit, prior credit report inquiries, or (2) bankruptcies, judgments or liens.

The legislation, however, includes certain exceptions and will not apply to:

  • Employers who are required to consider credit history for employment purposes by state or federal law or regulation or by a self-regulatory organization (as defined by the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934); 
  • Some public safety positions (e.g. certain police officers, peace officers, Department of Investigation personnel and other individuals who are subject to a background investigation by the Department);
  • Positions requiring bonding under federal, state or city law (e.g. positions where employee handles cash, securities or other valuables);
  • Positions which require security clearance under federal or state law;
  • Non-clerical positions with regular access to trade secrets, intelligence information or national security information;
  • Positions with (i) signatory authority over third party funds or assets valued at $10,000 or more; or (ii) authority to enter financial agreements valued at $10,000 or more on behalf of the employer;
  • Positions with regular duties that allow the employee to modify digital security systems established to prevent the unauthorized use of the networks or databases of the employer or an employer's clients.

If the bill is signed by the Mayor, NYC would join several states, including California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, in banning the use of credit history for employment purposes.

What This Means for You

In the event the bill becomes a law, NYC employers will need to review background check policies and procedures to ensure compliance. We will keep you apprised of any developments concerning the status of this recent legislation.

Special thanks to Daniella M. Muller, an associate in the Employment Practice Group, for her assistance preparing this alert.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.