Virginia has enacted a pay transparency law that prohibits employers from requesting or relying on a job applicant’s wage or salary history during hiring or compensation decisions.

The bill, which was signed by the Governor on April 22 and is scheduled to take effect in July 2026, applies to all employers regardless of size. It prohibits employers from retaliating against applicants or employees who decline to disclose prior compensation or who request information about wage ranges. The bill defines “wage or salary history” as any compensation paid to a prospective employee by a current or former employer. Prohibited retaliation includes refusing to interview, hire, employ, or promote an applicant or current employee. In addition, the law requires employers to include a good‑faith wage or salary range in all internal and external job postings.

The bill provides an exception if an applicant voluntarily discloses their salary history—employers may then verify and use that information only to offer higher compensation, not lower it, and only if doing so does not violate state or federal equal pay laws. Enforcement includes a private right of action, civil penalties enforced by the Virginia Attorney General (up to $5,000 for repeat violations), and a 15‑day safe‑harbor period to correct noncompliant job postings.

This follows the trend of other States and Cities implementing similar laws, including but not limited to California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois,...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiiAFBVV95cUxOSW9JUHFIRjRPZExCbUFPelFw...