Pay Equity Laws

What is pay equity?

Pay equity is a means of eliminating gender and ethnic discrimination in the wage-setting system. In this context, the criteria which employers use to determine wages must be gender- and ethnicity-neutral.

What is pay equity legislation?

The overarching purpose of pay equity legislation is to prohibit employers from discriminating on the basis of gender or ethnicity in the payment of wages. To assist candidates and clients alike throughout the hiring process, we’ve compiled relevant information associated with pay equity legislation enacted around the United States. This webpage includes updated information, including:

  • Bill names
  • Effective start dates
  • Violations and penalties
  • Exceptions related to voluntary disclosure and interview guidelines

If a state or territory is not included in the dropdown below, there is no pending legislation.

*This is not intended to be legal advice.

 

Missouri

Location

Kansas City

Bill

Ordinance No. 190380

Effective

10/31/2019

Violations

Employers with six or more employees may not inquire about an applicant’s salary history; screen job applicants based on their current compensation or salary histories, including any requirement that prior compensation or salary history satisfy minimum or maximum criteria; rely on an applicant’s salary history in deciding whether to offer employment, or in determining compensation during the hiring process, including the negotiation of the employment contract; refuse to hire or otherwise disfavor, injure, or retaliate against applicant for not disclosing salary.

Penalties

Fine of up to $500.00, imprisonment of up to 180 days, or a combination thereof.

Voluntary Disclosure

Not a violation.

Interview Guidelines

(not addressed)