AZ SB1435

Prohibits employers from seeking, considering, or relying on applicant salary history when making hiring or compensation decisions, though applicants may voluntarily disclose salary information without prompting.

Requires employers to provide pay scales to applicants on reasonable request and protects employee rights to discuss wages without fear of retaliation, discharge, or discrimination.

Amends equal pay requirements to shift burden of proof to employers to demonstrate pay differentials are based on legitimate factors (seniority, merit, production quality, or business necessity) rather than sex.

Establishes an equal pay certificate program administered by the Industrial Commission for businesses with 40+ full-time employees that demonstrates compliance with federal equal pay laws and maintains equitable compensation between male-dominated, female-dominated, and balanced job categories.

Requires state contractors with 100+ employees seeking contracts exceeding $500,000 to submit nondiscrimination programs and equal pay certificates, and directs the state to establish comparable worth standards for state employee classification and pay schedules.