Oregon Bans Age-Related Questions Before First Interview - HR ALERTS

Oregon Bans Age-Related Questions Before First Interview

Effective: September 28, 2025

Oregon has enacted HB 3187, which strengthens the state’s age discrimination protections by prohibiting employers from requesting age-related information before a first interview.

What’s Prohibited:

Employers may not request or require the following prior to a first interview:

• An applicant’s age

• Date of birth

• Dates of attendance or graduation from educational institutions

Exceptions:

• When age is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ)

• When age disclosure is required by federal, state, or local law

Additional Provisions:

• The bill removes prior allowances for age limits on apprenticeships

• Reinforces Oregon’s existing age discrimination laws

• Encourages employers to focus on an applicant’s skills and qualifications, not age

Action Steps for Employers:

• Review and revise job applications and pre-interview screening practices

• Train hiring teams to avoid prohibited inquiries prior to first interviews

• Familiarize yourself with the exceptions and ensure documentation where needed

Reference: OR HB 3187   

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