Most employers in New York City, other than employers in the securities industry, are now prohibited from requesting or using an employee’s or a job applicant’s consumer credit history in making employment decisions.

Effective September 3, 2015, a new statute prohibits most employers in New York City, other than employers in the securities industry, from requesting or using an employee’s or a job applicant’s consumer credit history in making employment decisions.

Specifically, on May 6, 2015, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed, into law, Local Law 37 of 2015 (“Local Law 37” or the “new Law”). On April 16, 2015, the New York City Council had approved Local Law 37 by a tally of 47 to 3.

The new law, which takes effect on September 3, 2015, prohibits businesses in New York City (including the borough of Manhattan) with four or more employees from requesting or using ” ‘consumer credit history’ ” for employment