Title: Understanding Wisconsin's Sample "Before Adverse Action Letter" — Detailed Description, Types, and Key Elements Introduction: In Wisconsin, employers are legally required to follow specific guidelines before taking any adverse employment action based on information obtained from a consumer report. To comply with state and federal laws, employers must provide a "Before Adverse Action Letter" to the affected employee or job applicant. This detailed description aims to provide insights into the requirements, purpose, and various types of these letters in Wisconsin. Key Elements of a Wisconsin "Before Adverse Action Letter": 1. Clear Identification: The letter should clearly identify the employer, including their name, address, and contact information, ensuring the recipient is informed about who is taking adverse action. 2. Disclosure of Consumer Reports: Employers need to disclose that they have obtained a consumer report for employment purposes and rely on it in the decision-making process. 3. Summary of Rights: The letter must include a copy of the individual's rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Wisconsin Consumer Reporting Act (CRA). 4. Contact Information: Employers should provide the contact information of the consumer reporting agency (CRA) that provided the consumer report. This allows the recipient to easily reach out to the CRA for additional information and dispute the report if necessary. 5. Pre-Adverse Action Period: The letter must inform the recipient about the upcoming adverse action and afford them a reasonable amount of time (typically 5 business days) to review the consumer report and correct any inaccurate or outdated information. 6. Statement of Decision: Employers should explicitly state their intention to take adverse action based on the consumer report obtained and inform the employee/applicant about the nature of the adverse action. Types of Wisconsin "Before Adverse Action Letters": 1. Employment Denial Letter: This type of letter is sent to job applicants if the employer decides not to hire them based on the information found in the consumer report. It outlines the reasons for the decision, such as a negative employment history or criminal record. 2. Promotion Denial Letter: If an employee is being considered for a promotion, but adverse information from the consumer report becomes a decisive factor for not granting the promotion, a "Before Adverse Action Letter" is issued to the employee. 3. Termination Letter: In cases where adverse information leads to terminating an employee, a "Before Adverse Action Letter" is provided before the termination takes effect. It discloses the grounds on which the decision was made and allows the employee an opportunity to address any inaccuracies in the consumer report. Conclusion: Understanding and complying with the legal requirements of providing a "Before Adverse Action Letter" is crucial for employers in Wisconsin. These letters are designed to ensure transparency, protect employees and job applicants from potential discriminatory practices, and grant them an opportunity to rectify any erroneous information in the consumer report. By adhering to these obligations, employers can maintain a fair and compliant hiring and employment process.