Michigan Senate Considers Bill to Ban Salary History Inquiries
A Michigan Senate committee recently discussed a proposed bill that would prohibit employers from requesting pay histories from job applicants. The bill, sponsored by Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), aims to address pay disparities, particularly affecting women, by preventing past salary information from influencing current job offers.
Senator Anthony emphasized that such practices contribute to the perpetuation of pay gaps and hinder economic stability for families. She stated, “Pay inequity doesn’t just affect a paycheck. It affects every aspect of daily life.”
If passed, the bill would also bar employers from seeking details about an applicant’s fringe benefits and credit history, except in specific financial roles where it is mandated by law or professional standards.
Support for the bill comes from various quarters, including Charity Dean from the Michigan Black Business Alliance, who believes it would enable lower-income workers, especially women, to progress to roles that align with their skills and talents.
Michigan is not entirely new to such regulations, as Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive in 2019 that discourages the disclosure of salary histories for state job applicants. However, the current bill, which was approved by a Senate committee along party lines, has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote.
Despite the bill’s backing from Democrats, it faces resistance from prominent business organizations in the state, such as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Detroit Regional Chamber, who have voiced opposition to the legislation.
