Lie Detector Tests

The Federal Employee Polygraph Protection Act (29 U.S.C. § 2001) prohibits most private employers from requiring their workers to submit to lie detector tests, with one exception: An employer may require a worker it reasonably suspects of theft or embezzlement to take a polygraph test, if certain requirements are met. Aside from this limited exception, however, an employer may not require a current employee to take a lie detector test, use the results of any such test, or discipline or discharge any employee who refuses to take one. Many states ban polygraph testing outright, in any circumstances.