Illinois employer social media password bill awaits governor's signature
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Illinois legislation that would prohibit employers from demanding job applicants' and employees' social media passwords is awaiting the governor's signature.
The legislation, H.B. 3782, was passed by the Illinois Senate on a 55-0 vote on Tuesday. The state's House of Representatives passed the bill on a 78-30 vote in March.
A spokeswoman for Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said he will review the bill once it arrives on his desk.
The bill, which amends the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act, makes it unlawful for any employer to ask an employee or prospective employee to provide a password or other account information in order to access a social networking website.
It does permit employers to maintain workplace policies relating to Internet use, and to obtain information about individuals that is available in the public domain.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley on May 2 signed legislation that would prohibit employers from asking job applicants for their social media passwords.
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