New NJ law bans employers from asking salary history
TRENTON, N.J. - It will soon be against the law for employers in New Jersey to ask job applicants about their salary histories.
Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver on Thursday signed a bill that prohibits employers from requesting an applicant's salary, commission or benefit history during the hiring process. The new law takes effect in six months.
Applicants can volunteer the information. But employers who violate the law face a fine of up to $1,000 for the first offense.
Supporters of the measure say the salary history question leads to wage discrimination against women and minorities.
Oliver signed the measure because Gov. Phil Murphy is out of the country on vacation.