H 4450
An Act regulating the use of credit reports by employers
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill prohibits employers in Massachusetts from using credit reports to make employment decisions. It restricts employers from requesting, procuring, or requiring applicants or employees to disclose credit information. However, certain exceptions exist, including when required by law, for national security clearances, or for senior positions at staffing agencies with fiduciary responsibilities. The bill also protects individuals from retaliation if they refuse to provide a credit report or oppose a violation of the law.
Key provisions
- Employers cannot use credit reports as a criterion for employment decisions.
- Employers cannot request or procure credit reports for employment purposes.
- Employees and applicants cannot be asked about the contents of their credit reports.
- Exceptions are allowed for federal or state law requirements, national security clearances, and certain staffing agency positions.
- Employers cannot retaliate against individuals who refuse to provide a credit report or oppose a violation of the law.
- Waivers of the bill are void.
- Definitions of ‘consumer report’ and ‘employment purposes’ are established.
- The law takes effect January 1, 2025.
Who is affected
- Employers
- Job applicants
- Employees
- Massachusetts residents
Notable changes
- Previously, employers could use credit reports as a factor in hiring decisions.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Cosponsor
Kenneth I. Gordon
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.4450 194th (Current)
An Act regulating the use of credit reports by employers
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Status: Referred to House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.4450
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 9/4/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Labor and Workforce Development |
| 9/4/2025 | House | New draft of H2119 |
| 9/4/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling |
| 10/6/2025 | House | Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting for a second reading |
| 10/8/2025 | House | Rules suspended |
| 10/8/2025 | House | Read second and ordered to a third reading |
Similar Bills
H.2119 194th (Current)
An Act regulating the use of credit reports by employers
H.3153 190th (2017 - 2018)
An Act regulating the use of credit reports by employers
H.1659 191st (2019 - 2020)
An Act regulating the use of credit reports by employers
H.2019 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act regulating the use of credit reports by employers
H.4028 191st (2019 - 2020)
An Act regulating the use of credit reports by employers
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.