Effective October 31, 2019, Ordinance 38-102 will bar Kansas City, Missouri employers from inquiring into the salary history of a job applicant; screening job applicants based on their current or prior wages or salary history; relying on the applicant’s salary history when determining whether to offer employment; or refusing to hire an applicant for not disclosing their salary history.
Kansas City joins a growing number of states and municipalities banning salary-history inquiries in an effort to reduce the gender pay gap. According to the Ordinance, in 2018 Kansas City had a gender pay gap of 21.7 percent, ranking 43 out of the 50 largest metropolitan areas and wider than the national average.
Under the Ordinance, employers may, without inquiring about salary history, engage in discussion with the applicant about their salary, benefits, and other compensation expectations. The Ordinance does not penalize employers for any voluntary disclosure by the applicant about their salary history information.
Kansas City employers may want to review their employment applications; associated forms; employment policies and procedures; and train hiring personnel to ensure compliance.
This information has been prepared by Validity Screening Solutions for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The content is intended for general information purposes only, and you are urged to consult a lawyer concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.
