Curbs on Polygraphs Approved
Legislation that would prevent employers from using lie detectors to screen job applicants was approved today on a 12-3 vote by the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee and sent to the Senate floor for a vote.
The bill, co-written by Sens. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), would ban about 85% of current polygraph use by outlawing pre-employment and random testing of workers. Under the legislation, employers could use polygraphs to investigate “workplace incidents,” such as thefts or accidents, but would first have to file a police report, insurance claim or report to a regulatory agency.
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