N.J. Senate to vote on social media, employer bill

The New Jersey Senate is set to vote on a bill that would prevent employers from seeking access to an employee’s or job applicant’s social media accounts.

The bill’s supporters say the measure updates privacy rules that already exist on what employers can ask.They also say current or prospective employees can learn much online in the public domain without asking for account names or passwords.

Business groups have pressed for exceptions to investigate claims against employees, such as insider trading or sexual harassment.

The bill set for a vote Thursday proposes a fine of up to $2,500 and allows employees and jobseekers to sue for injunctions and damages.