SB 569 took effect on January 1, 2022, making it an act of discrimination, to refuse an applicant because they lack a license to drive, unless driving is an essential function of the position. Essential function is defined as something done at least once a day.
Despite this, a local city government rescinded a job offer I had already accepted, because I had no license. The job was 100% in an office, with driving not listed as one of the duties.
During the time it took them to rescind my already accepted offer, I had to turn down a different position with the state of Oregon. My offer was rescinded 4 days after the law took effect, and the agency has already admitted it. Actually, they can't deny it, because everything is recorded through email.
I'm now facing homelessness with a 10 year old non verbal autistic child. BOLI wants 10 weeks to respond to my complaint, and every lawyer I speak to wants money I don't have.
The law was passed because it is common knowledge that low income and minority groups are more likely to not have a license. Employers would require licenses for jobs that didn't require driving, because it was a way for them to filter out the minorites and the poor people.
This law was made to protect poor people, but the only way to enforce the law, is to pay lots of money to an attorney. I have no food, gas, and I'm about to get my power shut off. How TF am I supposed to pay for a lawyer?
Anyways, I just wanted to let folks know about the useless Oregon law (SB569), and throw my employment troubles onto the pile.