The New York City Council amended New York City's Fair Chance Act to significantly expand the scope of protections for applicants and employees with criminal charges or arrests. The amendments are effective on July 29, 2021.

Yesterday, Mayor Bill DeBlasio signed into law the Fair Chance Act, prohibiting private employers in New York City from inquiring into an applicant's past criminal convictions until after a conditional offer employment has been made. If, after conducting a background check, the employer withdraws the offer, it must explain the decision to the applicant in writing and hold the position open for 3 business days so the applicant can respond. To read more ->

According to a recent article published by the New Castle News Online (by John Finnerty, January 24, 2015), a newly re-written PA Child Protection Law which went into effect in January requires anyone working with or volunteering with children to submit to two state background checks at a cost of $10 each. In addition, all school employees and volunteers who have moved into Pennsylvania in the last decade must get an FBI criminal background check, which involves submitting fingerprints. All checks must be repeated every three years.

An article by Christina Davis (TopClassActions.com, December 2, 2014) highlights the recent class action lawsuit that was initiated against Allegis Group (Aerotek, Inc.) in the State of Maryland.  The lead plaintiff alleges that Aerotek violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when they failed to provide a copy of his background report when making an adverse hiring decision.  To read more ->

As published by the State Rules Register:

The New Jersey "Ban the Box - Plus" (P.L. 2014, Chapter 32, AB 1999), signed by the Governor in August and will become effective:  "The first day of the seventh month next following the date of enactment".  We calculate this to be March 1, 2015.  This Act covers the following subjects:

1.Ban the Box
2.Pre-empts all city ordinances, except for city employees.

BAN THE BOX FACTS