SB 13-018: Employment Opportunity Act

• Prohibits employers from using consumer credit information for employment decisions unless substantially related to the employee's current or potential job.

• Restricts requiring employees to consent to credit reports containing credit scores, account balances, or payment history unless the employer is a bank, the report is legally required, or substantially related to the job with a disclosed bona fide purpose.

• Requires employers relying on consumer credit information for adverse employment actions to disclose that fact and the specific information used to the affected employee in writing or through the same medium as the application.

• Allows employers to request employees explain mitigating circumstances for negative credit information, including layoff, identity theft, medical expenses, family events, student debt, or lack of credit history.

• Establishes enforcement through the Division of Labor with civil penalties up to $2,500 for violations and exempts consumer reporting agencies from liability.