The state of Maine became the latest to pass a so-called Pay Equity law that purports to help close a gender pay gap by among other restrictions, prohibiting employers from inquiring into a job applicant’s salary history until a job and compensation is formally offered. An Act Regarding Pay Equality (LD-278), filed by Senator Cathy Breen, passed both branches by comfortable margins largely along party lines and was sent to the Governor earlier this week. Governor Janet Mills has been a staunch supporter of the legislation and has already indicated that she planned to sign the bill into law. The measure also provides that an employer may not prohibit employees from discussing compensation or divulging salary information to other employees. Violations are subject to penalties of between $100 and $500 per incident.