What happened?

On May 22, 2025, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 3187 into law, introducing new restrictions on age-related inquiries during hiring and eliminating age limits in apprenticeship programs.

Overview:

The law, expected to take effect on September 19, 2025 (91 days after adjournment), aims to reduce age discrimination by limiting when employers can request age-related information and ensuring equal access to training opportunities.

Summary:

1. Age-Related Questions: Are Limited Employers may no longer ask applicants for: Age, Date of birth and Dates of school attendance or graduation, unless (1) an initial interview has already taken place, or (2) A conditional job offer has been made

• Exceptions:
  • When age is a legal job requirement (bona fide occupational qualification)
  • When required by law

2. Apprenticeship Programs: Programs can no longer reject applicants based on their ability to complete training before age 70.

3. Compliance Tips

• Remove age-related fields from job applications and online forms.
• Train interviewers to avoid age-related questions.
• Coordinate with third-party recruiters and platforms.
• Delay background checks requiring birth dates until legally allowed.

4. Legal Risk Violations: may lead to lawsuits, including damages and attorney’s fees. Employers should ensure full compliance before the law takes effect.

Source References

• Oregon HB 3187 – Relating to age-based employment discrimination; and prescribing an effective date

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