A law took effect yesterday that makes it illegal for most employers to use the controversial polygraph for pre-employment screening, or against workers already on the payroll. The only other private-sector exceptions to the general ban apply to companies that manufacture, distribute or dispense controlled substances and some types of firms in the security guard, armored car or security alarm fields. It is expected that the law will ban 80 percent of the two million polygraphs administered annually. The law will have its greatest impact in those states that have no laws banning or restricting polygraph use. Firms providing armored cars, security alarms and security guards are exempt, as are companies that manufacture and dispense controlled substances. In a statement released yesterday, President Obama said he was “deeply concerned” about the new law.
A law took effect yesterday that makes it illegal for most employers to use the controversial polygraph for pre-employment screening, or against workers already on the payroll. It is expected that the law will ban 80 percent of the two million polygraphs administered annually. The law will have its greatest impact in those states that have no laws banning or restricting polygraph use. Firms providing armored cars, security alarms and security guards are exempt, as are companies that manufacture and dispense controlled substances. In a statement released yesterday, President Obama said he was “deeply concerned” about the new law.