Pennsylvania Adds Employer Background Screening and Hiring Protections

Pennsylvania has enacted legislation (House Bill 689) that clarifies employer background screening and hiring responsibilities. House Bill 689 takes effect on Feb. 12, 2024.

The details

Under Pennsylvania law, an employer may generally only consider felony convictions or job-related misdemeanors in making hiring decisions.

House Bill 689 clarifies that an employer is immune from liability for any claim related to the lawful use of criminal record history information when an applicant voluntarily discloses an expunged conviction.

In addition, HB 689 provides, among other things, that employers are prohibited from using criminal history record information that has been expunged or granted limited access, unless required by federal law.

See the text of the law for details.

Next steps

• Review background screening and hiring policies and procedures.
• Train HR personnel on House Bill 689 to help ensure compliance by Feb. 12, 2024.

Thank you,

ADP^®