Philadelphia Tightens “Ban the Box” Restrictions

Effective this past January 6, Philly enacted the following modifications to its existing “Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance”: 

• Reduced Lookback for Misdemeanors: Employers may now only consider misdemeanor convictions from the past four (4) years. 

• Summary Offense Prohibition: Consideration of minor infractions (summary offenses) is now prohibited. 

• 10-Day Response Window: If you intend to take adverse action based on a criminal record, you must provide the candidate with 10 business days (up from 5) to respond with evidence of an error or rehabilitation. 

• Expanded Coverage: The law now explicitly covers independent contractors, rideshare drivers, and other gig economy workers.