What is the Employee Polygraph Protection Act?
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) is a federal law in the United States that protects employee rights when it comes to the use of polygraph tests, also commonly known as lie detector tests. This law applies in the state of Texas and all other U.S. states. The EPPA was put into effect in 1988 and is a crucial element in the protection of employees’ rights concerning the use of lie detector tests in the workplace. The EPPA prohibits most private employers from using polygraph tests or other forms of lie detection testing to screen job applicants and current employees for any reason. It also forbids employers from taking adverse action against those who refuse to take such tests as well as those who fail such tests. Furthermore, the EPPA requires employers to provide specific information to those they request to take a polygraph test, such as the nature of the test and the type of questions that will be asked. The EPPA also makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against any employee who exercises their rights under the act or who files a complaint related to the act. This means that employees in Texas and other U.S. states can file a complaint if they feel their rights under the EPPA have been violated. Complaints can be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Federal Trade Commission, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
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