Why are laws banning inquiries about prior salary history becoming more common?

Laws banning inquiries about prior salary history are increasingly common primarily to promote fair pay practices and reduce wage disparities. This approach addresses the longstanding issue where previous compensation can perpetuate inequalities, especially for women and minority groups who have historically been paid less. By focusing on a candidate's skills, qualifications, and the requirements of the job at hand, employers can establish salary offers that are more equitable and reflective of the current market value rather than influenced by potentially discriminatory historical pay rates. This shift aims to create a more level playing field in employment and contributes to overall gender and racial wage equity.

Confidentiality of past employers, while important, is not the primary reason for these laws. Ensuring that all jobs meet a legal minimum wage is a separate regulatory issue that does not specifically relate to salary history. Similarly, while simplifying the hiring process can be a benefit of not asking about prior salaries, the core intent behind these laws centers on achieving fair and equitable compensation rather than just streamlining hiring procedures.