Conn. committee passes hiring discrimination bill

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — For the third time this session, Connecticut lawmakers have passed legislation that would prevent hiring practices that discriminate against out-of-work people.

Members of the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee are vote 29-to-11 in favor of the measure Tuesday.

The proposed legislation would make it illegal for an employer to not hire a person based on unemployment status or to place job advertisements that intentionally discriminate against the unemployed.

Last month both the state's Labor and Public Employees and Commerce committees voted in favor of the bill.

Bill supporters say it will help end unfair hiring practices taking place during a time of high unemployment.

Opponents argue that it opens the door for other characteristics to gain discriminatory protection and takes away those already in place, such as race.