An Assembly committee has approved measures aimed at stopping employers and educational institutions in New Jersey from asking for social media user names and passwords.

The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee on Thursday voted 3-0 for the bills, with one abstention. The bills prohibit employers, colleges and universities from requiring current or prospective employees or students to disclose user names or passwords for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

The bills’ sponsor says they offer protections for citizens who are especially vulnerable in today’s economy.

Business groups worry the bills could lead to more lawsuits. They also want exceptions for investigating claims of insider training or sexual harassment.

The measures now head to the full Assembly for consideration.