Lawmaker introduces social media bill

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — An Illinois state representative from Chicago has introduced legislation in Springfield that would ban businesses from requiring job applicants to divulge their social media passwords.

WJBC radio in Bloomington reports ( http://bit.ly/wuSICs ) state Rep. La Shawn Ford is against the practice. The Democrat says it gives employers access to personal and financial information on websites like Facebook and Twitter. Ford says the bill wouldn't ban employers from using information on job applicants' public profiles during hiring.

State Rep. Jil Tracy of Quincy is on the Illinois House Labor Committee. The Republican says the legislation would over-regulate businesses.