Senate Bill 158 Summary

• Prohibits employers from using consumer reports for employment purposes unless the information is substantially job-related and the position involves access to money, assets, or confidential information.

• Allows consumer reports to be used only for managerial positions, government positions (attorney general, city/town/county, law enforcement), or positions where such reports are legally required or mandated.

• Permits consumers to bring civil actions against employers who violate these restrictions, with courts authorized to award damages, civil penalties, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing consumers.

• Makes knowing or intentional violations a Class B infraction, upgraded to Class A infraction if the employer has a prior unrelated infraction conviction under this section.

• Takes effect July 1, 2010.