Stop Credit Discrimination in Employment Act (SCDEA), went into effect on September 3rd, 2015. The law was put in place protect employees and potential applicants from being discriminated by credit checks. The law was signed on May 6th, 2015 by Mayor Bill de Blasio and Human Rights Commissioner and Chair Carmelyn P. Malalis.
“Using credit scores in hiring decisions only makes it harder for people facing economic hardship to find a job and restore their personal finances. Preventing this discriminatory and unfair practice is essential to building a more fair and equitable New York for all our city’s residents,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) enforces the Human Rights Law, which now includes the Stop Credit Discrimination in Employment Act. There are several exceptions in the law, including for law enforcement and other professions involving a high level of public trust or access to sensitive information, and for employers who are mandated to conduct consumer credit history checks pursuant to state and federal laws or regulations. The law does not interfere with the obligations of government employees to disclose certain information to the Conflict of Interest Board. The law also prohibits the use of consumer credit history by City agencies in issuing licenses.
“[J]obseekers in NYC won’t be judged by their credit history, but by how well they can do the job.” Council Member Brad Lander.
Rights for Employers [pdf]
Rights for Employees [pdf]
Frequently Asked Questions [pdf]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MAw-VBy5E4
(source)