January 29, 2010

The Honorable Dereck E. Davis

Economic Matters Committee

Room 231, House Office Building

Annapolis, MD 21401-1912

Re: HB175 - Labor and Employment - Credit Reports and Credit Histories of Applicants and Employees - Limitations on Use by Employers - Oppose

Dear Delegate Davis:

HB175 would prohibit an employer from using an applicant's or employee's credit report or credit history in determining whether to deny employment to the applicant, discharge the employee, or determine compensation or the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. It would also authorize an employer to request or consider an applicant's credit report or credit history under specified circumstances; and authorize an applicant or employee to bring an action for injunctive relief, damages, or other relief for a violation of a specified provision of law

The Legislative Committee of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce opposes this bill. This matter is already legislated and regulated at the federal and state levels to provide protections for individuals before and after they may be denied employment based on a credit report. Furthermore, in a competitive labor market employers need the flexibility to use a variety of factors to determine who the best candidate for a position is.  

We therefore ask that your committee give this bill a negative report. 

Sincerely,

Richard Haddad

President

CC: Senator Larry E. Haines