READ AND PASSED

This enacted ordinance changes Philadelphia’s rules for how City agencies and private employers screen job and license applicants for criminal history. Employers generally may not ask about convictions during the application process before making a conditional job offer, and they may consider convictions only within seven years—excluding time spent incarcerated—after an individualized review of the record and the job. If an applicant is rejected based on criminal-record information, the employer must provide written notice, the basis for the decision, and a copy of the criminal-history report, allowing 10 business days for the applicant to respond.

Amending Chapter 9-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Criminal Records Screening Standards," by amending certain definitions and adding certain additional requirements with respect to screening job applicants and license applicants for criminal history; all under certain terms and conditions.