Massachusetts and Vermont now will prohibit employers from inquiring into or seeking prospective employees salary history. Connecticut soon will follow, while Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island are considering similar measures. In addition to the prohibition, the two states will not allow employers from requiring that an applicants current or prior salary history meet certain criteria, and Vermont law also prohibits employers from determining whether to interview an applicant based on the applicants current or past compensation. To comply, employers should review and revise hiring documents, ensure that all applicants know that they are not required to disclose salary history, train personnel involved in the hiring process on restrictions imposed by the new laws, and take a fresh look at current compensation practices.
