GJWGHOST JOB WATCHEmployment Accountability
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Congressional Reform Center

Building the record for reform.

A 2025 Congressional Research Service report identified possible approaches, including mandatory posting disclosures and FTC enforcement.

Legislation tracker

State proposals we're watching.

New Jersey

Proposed

A1161 / S2136

Disclosure of whether a posting represents an existing position. Assembly bill advanced from the Labor Committee in March 2026.

California

Proposed

AB 1251

Vacancy-status disclosures, enforcement tied to unfair competition law. Held in committee, August 2025.

Model legislation

Job Posting Transparency and Applicant Protection Act

  1. §1Vacancy disclosureDistinguish current vacancies, anticipated vacancies, and evergreen talent-pipeline ads.
  2. §2Posting expirationPeriodic confirmation that an advertised opportunity remains active.
  3. §3Applicant data protectionLimit secondary uses of information collected under employment representations.
  4. §4Hiring outcome transparencyRecords showing whether vacancies were filled, canceled, or never approved.
  5. §5Anti-retaliation protectionProtect applicants who submit good-faith complaints.
  6. §6Regulatory enforcementClear authority, proportionate penalties, correction procedures.
  7. §7Private remediesA carefully scoped private right of action with injury requirements and anti-abuse safeguards.

These are legislative proposals, not existing nationwide legal requirements.