One for the workers

In an unusual development in Nevada, a new law will take effect in 11 weeks that will protect employees from employers.

Assembly Bill 181, sponsored by Washoe Assemblymember David Bobzien, makes it “unlawful for any employer in this State to … require, request, suggest or cause any employee or prospective employee to submit a consumer credit report or other credit information as a condition of employment.”

It also protects workers from being penalized for keeping their employers out of their social media sites, making it “unlawful for any employer in this State to … require, request, suggest or cause any employee or prospective employee to disclose the user name, password or any other information that provides access to his or her personal social media account.”

The new law also prohibits discipline against workers who avail themselves of the new law and makes any employer who circumvents the law liable to legal relief, such as “reinstatement or promotion of an employee, and the payment of lost wages and benefits.”

Nevada has a reputation for laws that heavily favor employers over workers.