MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Judiciary A

By: Representative Ford

AN ACT TO PROVIDE IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR AN EMPLOYER ACTING IN GOOD FAITH WHO DISCLOSES INFORMATION ABOUT THE JOB PERFORMANCE OR REASON FOR TERMINATION OF A CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) An employer acting in good faith may not be held liable for disclosing any information about the job performance or the reason for termination of employment of an employee or former employee of the employer:

(a) To a prospective employer of the employee or former employee at the request of the prospective employer, the employee, or former employee; or

(b) If requested or required by a federal, state, or industry regulatory authority or if the information is disclosed in a report, filing, or other document required by law, rule, order, or regulation of the regulatory authority.

(2) An employer who discloses information under subsection (1) of this section shall be presumed to be acting in good faith unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the employer:

(a) Acted with actual malice toward the employee or former employee; or

(b) Intentionally or recklessly disclosed false information about the employee or former employee.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.