On October 8, 2025, the Mayor of Philadelphia signed into law amendments (“Amendments”) to the city’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance, commonly known as Philadelphia’s Fair Chance law.
The Amendments will take effect on January 6, 2026.
With new prohibitions, heightened procedural requirements, and strengthened anti-retaliation protections, the Amendments have important consequences for any employer operating in Philadelphia.
Key Changes Under the Amendments
Broader Limits on Criminal Background Checks
Under the Amendments, employers may only consider misdemeanor convictions in their employment decisions if the underlying arrest or release from incarceration occurred within the past four years. This shortens the previous seven-year standard for misdemeanors. Additionally, employers are completely prohibited from considering an applicant or employee’s summary offenses in employment decisions. Employers may still consider felony convictions occurring within the past seven years…