HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - More than a dozen states are considering legislation that would forbid employers from refusing to hire workers just because they've been unemployed for months or years.

With persistently high unemployment around the nation, many long-term jobless workers say they can't find work because help-wanted ads say only those with jobs should apply.

Some personnel managers say evidence of discrimination is sketchy. They say most unsuccessful job seekers never learn why they were turned down.

And some managers say hiring decisions are based on subjective reasons that defy remedies imposed by law.

A Northeastern University career center director says hiring managers may believe an applicant will take any job and quit soon after if better work comes along.