Summary of HR 2219 - Salary History Question Prohibition Act

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 2219

Title: Salary History Question Prohibition Act

Introduced On: March 18, 2025

Current Status: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure (CR E225)

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The Salary History Question Prohibition Act aims to eliminate the practice of employers inquiring about a job applicant's salary history during the hiring process. The intent of the bill is to promote pay equity and reduce wage discrimination based on previous earnings, which can perpetuate income disparities, particularly affecting women and minority groups.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition of Salary History Inquiries: Employers would be prohibited from asking candidates about their past salaries or benefits during the hiring process.
• Enforcement Mechanism: The bill may include provisions for enforcement, potentially allowing individuals to file complaints against employers who violate the prohibition.
• Guidance for Employers: The legislation may provide guidelines for employers on how to assess candidates based on their qualifications rather than their salary history.

Affected Parties

• Job Seekers: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be job applicants who may face discrimination based on their past earnings.
• Employers: Businesses would need to adjust their hiring practices to comply with the new prohibition, potentially leading to changes in recruitment and compensation strategies.
• Workforce Equity Advocates: Organizations focused on labor rights and pay equity would likely support this legislation as a step toward reducing wage gaps.

Legislative Process

• Introduced and Referred: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on the same day, March 18, 2025.
• Companion Bills: HR 2219 has related companion bills, including HR 17 and S 1115, which may be considered in parallel to strengthen the legislative effort.

Conclusion

The Salary History Question Prohibition Act represents a significant move toward addressing wage inequality in the hiring process. By prohibiting salary history inquiries, the bill seeks to foster a more equitable job market where candidates are evaluated based on their skills and potential rather than their previous compensation. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for both job seekers and employers will be closely monitored.