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H.R. 3916 99th Congress House

Polygraph Reform Act of 1985

Official title: A bill to set minimum standards for the administration of polygraph examinations, to encourage the States and local governments to establish programs regulatin… Show full official titleShow less

Official title: A bill to set minimum standards for the administration of polygraph examinations, to encourage the States and local governments to establish programs regulating the administration of polygraph examinations in accordance with such standards, and for other purposes.

Introduced: December 11, 1985 See on congress.gov
Labor and Employment Civil Rights and LibertiesCivil actions and liabilityCourts and Civil ProcedureEmployee rights
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Fines (Penalties)PolygraphsRight of privacy
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This bill died when the 99th Congress ended
It never became law before the 99th Congress (1985–1986) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jan 23, 1986
Referred to Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities.
Jan 23, 1986
Referred to Subcommittee on Labor-Management Relations.
Dec 11, 1985
Referred to House Committee on Education and Labor.
Dec 11, 1985
Introduced in House
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 Latest action January 23, 1986

Referred to Subcommittee on Employment Opportunities.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Polygraph Reform Act of 1985 - Declares that no employer may take any action affecting the employment status of an employee or prospective employee if such action is based on the results of a polygraph examination that was not administered in accordance with the standards established by this Act.

Lists areas of questioning into which polygraph examiners may not inquire. Lists the rights of the polygraph examinee, including the right to terminate the questioning at any time. Lists the qualification standards for polygraph examiners.

Requires any State or local government agency wishing to develop and enforce standards for the use of polygraphs to submit such plans to the Secretary of Labor for certification. Provides that no person may conduct a polygraph examination unless such person is certified by the Secretary. Provides certain limitations for the disclosure of information obtained during a polygraph examination. States that the rights and procedures established by this Act may not be waived.

Provides civil penalties for violations of this Act. Allows a person who is given a polygraph examination in violation of this Act to bring a civil suit against the polygraph examiner. Sets the maximum fine for such violations.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 3916: Polygraph Reform Act of 1985. 99th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-3916/
MLA
"H.R. 3916: Polygraph Reform Act of 1985." 99th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-3916/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 3916, 99th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-3916/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 3916: Polygraph Reform Act of 1985](https://openamerica.io/bill/99-HR-3916/)
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