Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 1986) that clarifies a recent law that generally prohibits employers from seeking social security numbers from prospective employees on employment applications.
Effective Date:
Legislative Document 1986 takes effect 90 days following the adjournment of the state legislature. Adjournment is tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2020, but the date could change.
Background:
Effective January 1, 2020, Maine law prohibits employers from asking applicants for their social security number on a job application or during the application process, unless it is for the purposes of drug testing or a pre-employment background check.
Legislative Document 1986:
Legislative Document 1986 clarifies that the rule prohibiting employers from asking for a social security number on a job application or during the application process doesn't apply if the request is required by federal law.
Compliance Recommendations:
Maine employers should review application forms and hiring procedures to ensure compliance with Section 598A, as amended. Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.