Ban on Use of Wage Histories Takes Effect in Illinois

Starting today, Illinois job applicants and workers will be free of invasive employer practices that also could lead to lower wages, according to a chief architect of a new state law.

State Rep. Anna Moeller (D) sponsored HB 834, which makes it illegal for Illinois employers, their agents, or employment agencies to ask about the wage or salary histories of job applicants. The law also bans employers from screening job applicants based on their wage or compensation histories.

“People have always felt like this was an invasive question and it gave employers an unfair advantage to low-ball wage offers. ...