State Senate Unanimously Approves Social Media Passwords Bill

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — California lawmakers don't "Like" the idea of bosses asking for their workers for their Facebook passwords.

The State Senate Monday approved a bill to prevent employers from requiring workers to provide passwords to their social media accounts, like Facebook and Twitter. The bill, AB 1844, passed the senate 37-0.

The bill would prohibit employers from asking for employees' and applicants' social media user names and passwords. The bill would also forbid any retaliation or discipline if an employee or applicant refuses an employer's request.

Proponents cited media reports that prospective employers were reviewing job applicants' social media accounts to get answers to questions they could not legally ask.

The bill goes back to the Assembly for a final vote.