Senate Bill 205 Summary

• Prohibits employers from publishing job advertisements that require current employment as a qualification or state they will not consider unemployed applicants.

• Prevents employers from discriminating against job applicants based on their currently unemployed status.

• Authorizes the Department of Labor to assess civil penalties for violations of advertisement restrictions: up to $1,000 for first violation, $5,000 for second violation, and $10,000 for third or subsequent violations.

• Allows aggrieved applicants to bring civil actions against employers for employment discrimination, with courts authorized to award actual damages, court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and injunctive relief.

• Takes effect July 1, 2012 and does not limit applicants' rights under other state or federal employment laws.