LAS VEGAS -- As social networking continues to become more popular, it has become common for employers to review not only credit reports, but Facebook and Twitter profiles.
Now, a bill making its way through the Nevada Legislature could halt the practice.
Some state lawmakers are working to stop employers from getting access to workers' passwords and private settings.
"When an employer requests access to a social media account, not only is the employer gaining access to the messages and posts of the applicant and the employee, but the information of the individuals contacts as well," Nevada Assemblyman David Bobzien said.
Blogger and author Cathy Scott said it is inappropriate for employers to gain access to such private information.
"I think it's like asking you your age, if you're married, if you have kids," she said.
If passed, this law would not only stop access to an employee's social media account, but also from considering a consumer report or credit check, except in certain circumstances.
When Andrea Dresser was applying for a job in Las Vegas, that dreaded credit check was an unexpected factor in her hiring.
"They wanted to run a credit report," she said. "Thank God it was OK, but I was scared, like, what if I had financial problems?"
Scott said there's a basic rule of thumb to navigating the pitfalls of Facebook and Twitter.
"If you don't want it seen by the world, then don't put it there, because once you put it on social media, it aggregates it and it's there forever," she said.
The bill must pass the Legislature by May 24 to reach the governor's desk.
Manpower, a firm that helps Las Vegas residents find temporary jobs, said employers often ask for credit information on those who handle people's personal information.
The company said those who ask for passwords do it to assess a prospective employee's character.
