States Weigh Bans On Discrimination Against Unemployed

Maryland has joined a growing list of states considering legislation to protect the unemployed. Legislators there are weighing a bill that would prevent employers from limiting applications for open positions to only those currently holding jobs.

Advocates nationwide argue that such laws are needed given the millions of Americans who remain out of work, many of whom have been jobless for six months or more. But those allied with business interests say skills and worker readiness, which may have suffered during an extended period of unemployment, are legitimate criteria for determining applicants' suitability for open positions.