SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Governor Quinn signed a new law yesterday that protects people from being fired or not hired because of blemishes on their credit when credit history has no direct bearing on the job. House Bill 4658 was sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and passed the Senate in May and the House in late March.

"Employers may still consider credit history if it is relevant to the job," Senator Harmon said. "For instance, banks, insurance companies, and businesses with access to customers’ confidential financial details will be able to screen job applicants’ credit history to protect the company and its customers."

The new law prohibits use of credit history as a general rule except for in sensitive industries such as banking or insurance, in certain management positions, or to allow employees access to valuable assets or sensitive client data. It was initiated in the House by Representative Jack Franks (D-Woodstock).

"Thousands of Illinoisans who lost their jobs may have experienced credit problems as a result, and it is important they have every opportunity to restore their good credit by getting a new job based on their qualifications," Senator Harmon said. "If their credit history isn’t relevant to the job, then an employer shouldn’t use their credit history when making a hiring decision."

"As the economy rebounds and Illinois businesses resume hiring, this protection will give job applicants a fair shot at a job and the income that will allow them to rebuild their credit," Harmon continued. "It does this without any undue burden on employers so that they can hire employees to help grow their business."