Philadelphia Amends ‘Ban the Box’ Law: Key Changes to the Fair Criminal Records Screening Standards Ordinance Effective January 2026

Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Records Screening Standards Ordinance (FCRSSO), commonly known as its “ban the box” law, has regulated how and under what circumstances an employer can consider the criminal histories of its applicants and employees since its enactment in 2011. Philadelphia City Council, with the Mayor’s approval, has now amended the FCRSSO, effective January 6, 2026, presenting the need for employers to review and potentially update their criminal history screening procedures to comply with the law’s new requirements.