Notice Regarding Credit Checks Per Vermont Law

Pursuant to Vermont Act No. 154 (S. 95), ____________________________________________ (Company) informs you that it may obtain a credit report about you, for the following reason(s):
(Check the applicable purpose)

• • ___The information is required by state or federal law or regulation;
  • ___You seek to be/are employed in a position that involves access to “confidential financial information” (defined as “sensitive financial information of commercial value that a customer or client of the employer gives explicit authorization for the employer to obtain, process, and store and that the employer entrusts only to managers or employees as a necessary function of their job duties”);
  • ___The Company is a financial institution as defined in 8 V.S.A. §11101(32) or a credit union as defined in 8 V.S.A. §30101(5);
  • ___You seek to be/are employed in a position as a law enforcement officer, emergency medical personnel or firefighter as these terms are respectively defined in 20 V.S.A. §2358, 24 V.S.A. §2651(6) and 20 V.S.A. §3151(3)
  • ___You seek to be/are employed in a position that requires a financial fiduciary responsibility to the Company or a Company’s clients, including the authority to issue payments, collect debts, transfer money or enter into contracts;
  • ___You seek to be/are employed in a position that involves access to the Company’s payroll information;
  • ___The Company can demonstrate that credit information is a valid and reliable predictor of employee performance in the specific position of employment;
  • ___The Company will not obtain a consumer credit report on you.

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Vermont is the most recent state to limit employers in their use of credit reports to make employment decisions. Most employers may not use credit information to decide whom to hire, promote, or fire for most positions. The law includes exceptions for certain employers and certain positions. Even for these employees, however, Vermont prohibits employers from making decisions based solely on credit history.