DENVER - A social media privacy bill that would prevent employers from requiring employee passwords has won initial approval in the Colorado House.

The bill would not prohibit companies from looking at Facebook pages or punishing employees for what they post on their personal sites. But it would ban them from requiring current or potential employees to provide passwords for personal accounts.

The measure won initial approval on a unanimous voice vote Friday. Republican Rep. Brian DelGrosso said the privacy requirement wouldn't apply to social media interactions done on company equipment or on work time.

One more vote is required before the social media privacy bill heads to the Senate. State Rep. Angela Williams, D-Denver, is the sponsor of the Social Network Privacy Act legislation.

"Your employer should not have a right to ask you your personal information," said Williams. "This is all about personal privacy."

If the bill became law, those who feel discriminated against could seek civil remedies. The business could also face a fine.

According to Williams, six states have already passed legislation similar to this. She said Colorado is one of 14 states currently considering passing this type of legislation.

Read House Bill 1046: http://bit.ly/UOffsH