The Nation : House OKs Limits on Lie Detector Tests

The House voted 251 to 120 for legislation that would limit the use of lie detector tests by private employers. The House-Senate conference report, which now goes to the Senate, also would prevent employers from taking adverse actions against employees solely on the basis of the test results. The Office of Technology Assessment estimated that 2 million polygraph tests were administered in 1987, with 90% given by private employers. The bill would permit private sector testing of applicants for security guard positions and for prospective employees who would have direct access to the manufacture, storage, distribution, or sale of controlled substances. An employer could test a worker in an ongoing probe of economic loss or injury to the company.