Oregon House passes House Bill 3187 to combat age discrimination in hiring process

The Oregon State Legislature convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss and pass significant legislation aimed at combating age discrimination in the workplace. One of the key highlights of the meeting was the passage of House Bill 3187, which seeks to protect older job applicants from discriminatory practices during the hiring process.

House Bill 3187 prohibits employers from requiring applicants to disclose their age, date of birth, or graduation dates before the initial interview. This measure aims to prevent age-related biases that can hinder older workers from even securing an interview. Representative Sosa, who introduced the bill, emphasized that while employers can still inquire about qualifications and experience, they cannot use age-related information to make presumptions about an applicant's capabilities.

The bill garnered strong bipartisan support, reflecting a widespread recognition of the issue. According to a recent AARP survey, 55% of Oregon workers aged 40 and older reported experiencing age discrimination, with 88% of respondents indicating that such discrimination is common. This sentiment crossed party lines, with 85% of survey participants supporting the update to Oregon's employment laws.

Representative Smith highlighted the urgency of addressing age discrimination, noting that it affects individuals across all political affiliations. He urged his colleagues to support the bill, reinforcing the need for legal protections for older workers in Oregon.

Another supporter, Representative Chai, pointed out the additional challenges faced by older BIPOC women and low-income workers, advocating for a hiring process that focuses on qualifications rather than outdated stereotypes.

The passage of House Bill 3187 marks a significant step toward ensuring fair treatment for older workers in Oregon. As the legislature continues its work, there is hope that further measures will be considered to address age discrimination for existing employees as well.

With the bill now passed, Oregon joins several other states in implementing similar protections, reinforcing the commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce where all individuals are evaluated based on their skills and experience rather than their age.