House committee releases bill barring employers from asking about applicants’ political activity

The House Labor Committee voted to release House Bill 273 after debate and a roll-call vote, advancing legislation that would make it unlawful for employers to request job applicants’ or employees’ political party, voting history, campaign contributions or paid or volunteer work for political campaigns or parties.

Representative Morrison, who presented the bill to the committee, said the measure grew from her own job-search experience and that of a friend. “Simply put, there is no good reason why companies and corporations need to know about an applicant’s or employee’s political affiliation, voting history, political contributions, or working for or volunteering for a political campaign or party,” she said, explaining the bill’s goal of protecting applicants from upfront disclosure requirements and banning discrimination in hiring or employment based on those factors.

The bill includes two stated exceptions: when political affiliation is a bona fide occupational qualification for a particular job and when disclosure is already required by federal or state law. Representative Morrison said the language mirrors model provisions and was expanded beyond campaign contributions to encompass volunteer activity and voting history.

Assistant House Attorney Raeanne Warner told the committee that the Department of Labor would enforce the statute. Warner referenced Title 19, Chapter 7, and described a civil enforcement path in which the Department can investigate unlawful employment practices, commence actions in Superior Court and individuals may file administrative complaints and potentially receive a right to sue. Warner also summarized statutory caps on damages described in the code, noting compensatory and punitive awards are capped on a sliding scale (for example, roughly $50,000 for the smallest employers up to about $500,000 for the largest employers) and that awards would be assessed per incident.

Some members raised practical concerns. One lawmaker said the policy could complicate hiring in politically sensitive industries and noted public records of contributions remain accessible; another said she intended to support the bill but worried about unintended consequences for employers. Representative Morrison responded that the measure is focused on preventing upfront requests and retaliation based on political activity rather than barring private searches of public contribution records.

There were no in-person or virtual public commenters. Representative Lambert moved to release the bill from committee; Vice Chair Kim Williams seconded. The committee recorded a roll-call vote with 10 members voting yes and one member voting no; the committee released House Bill 273 to the next stage.

The bill will next be scheduled for consideration by the full House.