An Act regulating the use of credit reports by employers

H 4450 bans most employers in Massachusetts from using credit reports for hiring or employment decisions. It prohibits employers from requesting, using, or requiring job applicants or employees to provide credit history information as part of employment screening, except for three specific cases: positions requiring federal background checks, national security clearances, or senior financial roles at certain staffing agencies. The law also protects applicants who refuse to provide credit reports or report violations from retaliation. It takes effect January 1, 2025, and does not apply to public record checks like court filings. This directly affects employers and job seekers across the state, limiting how credit history can influence hiring.