Alaska Fair Hiring Laws

Various laws are in effect that impact employment, including some that dictate the regulations around recruiting and hiring new employees. Review our detailed guide to fair hiring laws in Alaska and how they differ from federal regulations.

What Are Fair Hiring Laws?

Fair hiring laws are regulations administered federally by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Department of Labor (DOL). They apply across all states in the U.S., although some states have stricter laws in place. More than 180 laws cover workplace activities, protecting more than 165 million workers. Some of these related to the process of recruiting and hiring new employees.

What Are “Ban-the-Box” Laws?

Ban-the-box laws limit when an employer can ask about a candidate’s criminal history during the hiring process. The term refers to eliminating the box that must be checked on a traditional application when the individual has such a record.

Does Alaska Have Fair Hiring Laws That Differ from Federal Fair Hiring Laws?

Yes, Alaska has laws in place that supplement federal fair hiring laws. They apply to all employers in the state, regardless of the number of employees.

Do Alaska Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Federal Equal Pay Act (EPA)?

Alaska follows the federal EPA regarding equal pay for equal work.

Do Alaska Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)?

Under the Alaska Human Rights Act (AHRA), employers are prohibited from discriminating against applicants based on age.

Do Alaska Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The AHRA also prohibits discrimination based on disability when making hiring decisions. The federal ADA and A.S. 18.80.220 apply regarding accommodations in the workplace, and the Alaska Commission for Human Rights outlines what is required of employers. Changes to a job application process is one of the three categories of reasonable accommodations that pertains to hiring.

Do Alaska Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)?

Alaska’s Genetic Privacy Act protects individuals from discrimination based on genetic information and limits access to such data. It also places limitations on when information may be disclosed and collected. Genetic information under the law includes family medical history, a history of seeking genetic services, and related test results.

Do Alaska Hiring Laws Match or Differ from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

The AHRA prohibits discrimination in hiring (and other situations) based on protected characteristics. In addition to those outlined in the federal law, these include parental status and marital status.

Are There Different Fair Hiring Laws in Cities or Municipalities Across Alaska?

No, there are no different fair hiring laws in cities or municipalities in Alaska.

With the right tools, ensuring fairness when recruiting and hiring doesn’t have to cause problems. Learn more about the applicant tracking capabilities built into WorkforceHub, like automation of data tracking and reporting for valuable insights. We can help your business maintain compliance with fair hiring regulations.