SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) According to studies, the Great Recession led to large increases in unemployment rates and unemployment durations for workers of all ages, but unemployment durations rose far more for older workers than for younger workers.
(b) Statistics from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission show that in 2011, the commission received 23,465 formal filings alleging age discrimination, an increase of 35 percent from 2001.
(c) Age discrimination in any form is contrary to state policy and discrimination on the basis of age in employment is a violation of law.
(d) Despite being against state law and policy, age discrimination continues to exist and is facilitated through public distribution of a job applicant’s or potential applicant’s birth and age information.