In early May, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law a bill that amends the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), making it illegal for employers to inquire about a prospective job applicant’s salary history or to rely on that history during the hiring process. The amendment will take effect Oct. 31, 2017, and defines the term “inquiry” broadly to include not only communicating a question to an applicant or his/her current or former employer about salary history, but also includes searching public records to obtain such information. Employers are, however, permitted to discuss expectations with applicants with respect to salary, benefits and other compensation.
