Rep. David Rutigliano Negotiates Bipartisan Pay Equity Bill

HARTFORD- State Rep. David Rutigliano (R-123) hailed passage of a bipartisan pay equity bill that approved overwhelmingly in the Connecticut House of Representatives today.

The legislation is House Bill 5386, An Act Concerning Various Pay Equity and Fairness Matters, aims to prevent unintended pay discrimination in the state. Under the bill, employers will be prohibited during a hiring process from inquiring about a prospective candidate’s previous salary history until an offer of employment with compensation has been offered. The legislation was crafted in a way to protect recruiters, employment agencies and to allow for a discussion of benefits and stock options if relevant to the position.

Rep. Rutigliano, was the House Republican Chief Negotiator on the legislation, and said “the bill is a big step toward insuring fairness in our state.”

Rutigliano worked with New Haven State Rep. Robin Porter on the compromise legislation.

“I, for one have never asked a prospective employee their salary history.  It is  perceived to be hindrance to income growth,  if a female job candidate starts out at a lower salary at her previous job than that trend could continue through her working life, this bill addresses that issue, ” said Rep. Rutigliano. “This bill provides good equity for women, and does not penalize business, it inspires them.”

Massachusetts, California, Oregon and Delaware have laws banning employers from asking the pay history of job candidates. New York City, Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Philadelphia have also followed suit.