Showing Posts In "Criminal Records" Category
Philadelphia Employers Face New Compliance Challenges When Considering Criminal Records
Philadelphia employers face new, stricter rules on using criminal background checks under recent amendments to the city’s Fair Chance (ban-the-box) law, effective in 2026. Employers must limit what records they consider — excluding older convictions, minor offenses, and sealed or expunged records — and conduct individualized risk assessments. They must also follow expanded notice requirements, […]
Hampton Measure to Modernize Criminal History Records, Delivered to the Governor
A Kentucky bill aimed at modernizing criminal history records has been delivered to the governor for consideration. The measure would update how records are shared, allowing state agencies to more efficiently provide criminal history information to authorized federal entities. Supporters say it improves coordination and accuracy in recordkeeping, while streamlining access for legitimate uses such […]
Contingent Hiring Puts Buyers and Suppliers on the FCRA Hook
Contingent hiring can expose both employers and staffing suppliers to liability under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when background checks or screening tools are used. The article explains that organizations relying on third parties for hiring decisions may still be considered “users” of consumer reports, making them responsible for compliance. As screening technologies evolve, […]
Maryland Considers Expanding Expungement as Clean Slate Laws Spread
Maryland lawmakers are considering expanding expungement and “Clean Slate” laws to automatically clear more than 100,000 criminal records for eligible individuals. The proposal would broaden eligibility beyond minor offenses to help more people overcome barriers to employment, housing, and education. Advocates argue the measure promotes rehabilitation and reintegration, while critics raise concerns about public safety. […]
Connecticut’s Clean Slate Law Erases More Than 150,000 People’s Criminal Records
Connecticut’s new “Clean Slate” law automatically expunges criminal records for more than 150,000 people who have completed their sentences and met eligibility criteria. The law aims to reduce barriers to employment, housing, and education for individuals with past convictions. Officials say this automatic process eliminates the need for people to file petitions, speeding up reintegration. […]
Push to Remove Criminal History Inquiry from Job Applications in Ohio Gains Steam After Key Compromise
Ohio lawmakers are considering legislation that would remove questions about criminal history from initial job applications for many private employers. The proposal, a form of “ban-the-box” policy, aims to ensure applicants with criminal records are first evaluated on their qualifications. A compromise version scaled back earlier requirements on employers but still delays criminal-history inquiries until […]
Is Your FCRA Background Check Process Defensible?
Employers must design their Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) background-screening processes to be defensible — meaning consistently applied, fully documented, and ready to withstand audits or legal scrutiny. Key compliance elements include standalone disclosures, candidate authorization, consistent adverse-action procedures, centralized documentation, and role-specific screening rationale. As hiring expands across jurisdictions and vendors, defensibility prevents legal […]
Federal Court Case Indicates Limits of Fair-Chance Hiring Defenses
A federal appellate decision from the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals clarifies limits on employer defenses under fair-chance hiring laws. The court ruled that an applicant’s voluntary disclosure of criminal history does not allow employers to bypass procedural requirements under Pennsylvania’s Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA). Employers must still follow rules governing when […]
California’s Fair Chance Hiring Rules Could Change Again
The California Assembly Bill 2095 could modify how employers apply the state’s Fair Chance Act, which limits when and how criminal history can be considered in hiring decisions. The proposal would adjust procedures employers must follow when evaluating criminal records after a conditional job offer. Supporters say the change would clarify and streamline compliance, while […]
California’s Fair Chance Hiring Rules Could Change Again
The California Assembly Bill 2095 could modify how employers apply the state’s Fair Chance Act, which limits when and how criminal history can be considered in hiring decisions. The proposal would adjust procedures employers must follow when evaluating criminal records after a conditional job offer. Supporters say the change would clarify and streamline compliance, while […]
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